Elections Commission issues rules for media commission election
The commission is currently being run by a five-member interim body formed by the Civil Service Commission.
The Elections Commission on Wednesday announced the rules for the election of members to the commission established under the newly enacted Media Regulation Act.
The law requires the election of members to the commission to be conducted under the supervision of the Elections Commission. The rules prepared under the Act have been published in the government gazette.
The commission is currently being run by a five-member interim body formed by the Civil Service Commission. Under the Act, the commission will have seven members, including three and the President appointed by Parliament, while the remaining four will be elected by the media. Of these, two members will represent broadcasters and two will represent other media outlets.
According to the law, elections must be held within 30 days of the law coming into force. The rules state that:
-
Broadcasters and media outlets registered in the Maldives are eligible to vote.
-
Each outlet will be entitled to one vote.
-
Broadcasters can vote only for broadcaster representatives, while other media can vote only for representatives of their category.
-
Candidates must be nominated within 19 days.
-
Candidates will be notified within 48 hours whether their candidacy has been accepted.
-
Relevant state agencies must provide information on eligible voters within two days of request.
-
All broadcasters and media must register their voter.
If a vacancy arises, another election must be held within 39 days. Members will be elected on the basis of the highest number of votes. In the event of a tie, a run-off election will be held within three days of the announcement of results. If the number of candidates nominated is equal to or less than the required number of seats, those candidates will be declared elected.
The rules also specify restrictions on campaigning, conduct on polling day, and the process for determining invalid votes. The official results must be published in the government gazette within three days of the election.
