Elections Commission Gazettes rules for Media and Broadcasting Commission election

Elections Commission (EC) has  gazetted the official rules for the election of members to the Media and Broadcasting Commission, which was established under the Media and Broadcasting Regulation Act that went into effect earlier this month.

According to the newly published rules, media outlets will have 10 days to apply for membership on the commission. Once applications are received, the EC is required to notify candidates of their eligibility to contest the election within 48 hours.

Under the rules, of the four members nominated by media outlets, those representing broadcasters will be elected solely by broadcasters. Broadcasters will not be allowed to vote for members representing non-broadcast media.

Each media outlet will be allowed to send one representative to vote in the election.

EC will also publish a list of eligible media outlets that can vote in the Media Commission election. Media outlets will be given the opportunity to raise objections or file complaints regarding the list. Once those complaints are reviewed, a final list will be issued.

The rules also incorporate many clauses from the Media Commission Act itself, outlining the framework and procedures for the election.

The Media and Broadcasting Regulation Act has drawn significant criticism from the journalism community. During its drafting and approval stages, a large number of journalists protested against the bill. After it was passed by Parliament, several journalists and media organizations urged President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu not to ratify the bill.