MMC membership application reopened after policy change
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) had issued a statement expressing concern over the election of members to the MMC.
By
Mariyam Umna Ismail
Home ministry on Wednesday reopened applications for membership of Maldives Media Council (MMC) after amending policies.
Applications for MMC membership were first announced on 22 August. However, the ministry cancelled the announcement on August 25, citing the need for more preparations to hold the MMC elections.
The ministry amended the policy and gazetted it on Tuesday. According to the new policy, inactive newspapers as well as newspapers, magazines and broadcasters registered under state-owned companies and state institutions cannot vote in the MMC election.
The council employs eight media representatives and seven members from the general public.
The ministry has opened applications for the next media council members as the term of 13 out of the current 15 members expire on 14 December. Applications are now open for seven members representing media and six members appointed from the general public
The ministry requested to email the application form and supporting documents before 2pm on 23 October.
The ministry revoked the announcement in August after the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) issued a statement expressing concern over the election of members to the MMC.
IFJ had noted:
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Concern over the right to vote for inactive news publishers
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This created the opportunity for certain parties to gain control of council matters using non-active newspapers by proxy
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This in turn created the opportunity for politics to infiltrate the council
