Parliament accepts media regulation bill amid journalist protests

The Parliament, in an extraordinary sitting on Wednesday, accepted a bill introducing fines and new regulatory measures for media outlets and journalists.

The Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill was passed with 49 votes in favour and 12 opposition votes against. Journalists staged protests outside Parliament during the session, calling for the withdrawal of the bill.

Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla announced in the morning that the preliminary debate on the bill had concluded, but later resumed the debate before calling for a vote on its acceptance in the afternoon.

Several government members who spoke during the debate voiced concerns about the bill. However, many indicated their intention to allow it to proceed to the committee stage, where they said amendments could be made following discussions with journalists.

Journalists, however, continue to call for the bill to be withdrawn entirely.

The bill would abolish the existing Maldives Media Council and the Broadcasting Commission, replacing them with a new body, the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission.

The proposed commission would consist of seven members:

Eligibility criteria for commission members would be revised, with the minimum age raised from 18 to 30 years. Media personnel and editors would not be eligible for membership. Elections for media representatives would be conducted by the Election Commission.

Until permanent members are appointed, the commission would be run by a five-member ad hoc committee appointed by the Civil Service Commission.

The commission would have powers to:

The bill was first read in Parliament on 19 August, with preliminary debate beginning the same day. Seven MPs spoke before the debate was adjourned.

The session was scheduled to close but reconvened this week as an extraordinary sitting to continue debate during recession and hold the acceptance vote.