MMC member appointment delayed despite completed elections

The issue of delaying the handover of positions to members elected to fill vacant positions at the Maldives Media Council (MMC) has escalated.

The Youth Ministry held elections last Monday, which were won by Leevan Ali Nasir from Addu News and Muzayyin Nazim from Dhauru News, along with Hawwa Wajuda from the general public.

Media Council President Hussein Sageef told Miharu News that although the elections were generally held on Monday, a letter was sent on Sunday requesting the appointment of those members to their positions. However, he said the ministry is delaying for reasons unknown.

According to him, an independent candidate who participated in the election has also filed a complaint with the MMC. Additionally, the two members who won the election have also sent a letter to the MMC to clarify the matter, as the handover of their positions has been delayed.

When questioned about this matter, a Youth Ministry media official said they are looking into the matter as a candidate has filed a complaint. However, they did not specify what complaint was filed.

It is understood that the complaint was filed by Mohamed Ameen, who ran independently in the election. He did not receive a single vote in that election. He reportedly filed the complaint claiming he was not given the opportunity to re-register and has also said he would take the matter to court.

The election to fill the vacant positions was held after the legally mandated period had expired. Even though the results have been clarified, the Maldives Journalist Association has also expressed concern that the new members are not being given the opportunity to carry out their responsibilities.