Foreign journalists can cover elections, EC assures
"We don't have any intentions to undermine the role of the media. We will give all possible opportunities and concessions to the highest level," he said.
By
Mohamed Muzayyin Nazim
Foreign journalists will be allowed to cover the presidential election and there is no plan to restrict the role of the media under any circumstances, the Elections Commission said on Wednesday.
According to a proposed amendment by the government to the General Election Act last week, only "registered journalists" with the authorities can cover elections in the Maldives.
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The bill defines registered journalists as any person working in a registered media agency in the country
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Concerns are being raised that foreign journalists and freelance journalists may not have chance to cover elections
EC vice-president Hussain Habeeb told Atoll Times that despite the amendment, foreign journalists will still be allowed to cover the elections. He added that applications will be open for foreign journalists and observers on March 25.
"We don't have any intentions to undermine the role of the media. We will give all possible opportunities and concessions to the highest level," he said.
Habeeb said that though there is something else in the bill now, he hopes that when parliament passes the bill, there will be opportunities for all.
Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) and Transparency Maldives issued a statement on Wednesday expressing concern over the bill. The organisations described the amendment, which came at a time when the presidential election was just around the corner, as an attempt to undermine the role of the media.
