PSM says referendum programme features ex-Special Assembly members
The issue was raised after the MDP requested a meeting with PSM Managing Director Mohamed Shakeeb to discuss what it described as unequal coverage.
Public Service Media (PSM) said on Monday that its programme discussing the proposal to hold presidential and parliamentary elections on the same day currently features former members of the Special Assembly.
The statement follows criticism from the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), which alleged that the state broadcaster’s programming has favoured the government’s position ahead of the referendum.
PSM has been broadcasting a programme titled Heylaa to discuss the proposed constitutional amendment. Three episodes of the programme have been aired so far, with guests presenting views supporting the proposal to hold the two elections on the same day.
According to the MDP, individuals who were members of the Special Assembly but are campaigning against the proposal have not been invited to participate in the programme.
The issue was raised after the MDP requested a meeting with PSM Managing Director Mohamed Shakeeb to discuss what it described as unequal coverage.
In a letter signed by Deputy Managing Director Abdulla Yameen, PSM said the programme currently invites former members of the Special Assembly.
The letter stated that the purpose of the programme is to provide technical and procedural information related to the constitutional amendment.
It said that instead of inviting political parties, priority has been given to individuals who have experience in the work of the Special Assembly.
PSM said it has always sought to provide information to the public freely and impartially as required under the Public Service Media Act.
The letter also stated that PSM had maintained the same approach when the MDP was in government and called on the party not to create hostility against the state broadcaster.
Shakeeb is currently outside the Maldives.
Parliament, where the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) holds a majority, has passed an amendment to the Constitution to hold presidential and parliamentary elections on the same day. The amendment also sets the current parliamentary term to end on 1 December.
Under the Constitution, any amendment that changes the term of parliament must be approved by a majority of voters.
President Mohamed Muizzu issued a decree on 16 February to hold a referendum on the matter on 4 April. The vote will take place on the same day as the local council elections.
