The proposed amendment by ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) lawmakers for all broadcasters to give equal air time to all candidates and prohibit selling more air time to candidates has now been put to effect.
In addition to equitable airtime, the proposed amendment to the General Elections Act further forbids the sale of more airtime to any candidate.
The Constitution currently states that no broadcasters shall under any circumstance give or sell more than 10 percent of the time allotted to one candidate, to one individual candidate or a political party or a candidate representing a political party.
Meanwhile, Public Service Media (PSM) had earlier faced harsh criticism as only events and promotions from PPM have been broadcast thus far. PSM had also earlier assured that candidates running for office in the upcoming presidential elections will be afforded equal opportunities to present their respective campaigns.
The amendment also gives Maldives Broadcasting Commission (Broadcom) the power to penalize any broadcaster that violates the regulations. Upon ratification of the amendment, Broadcom is required to establish regulations to receive complaints and penalize violators of the amendment. Broadcom would also be required to forward the case to the Elections Commission (EC) after investigation.
Whilst the amendment has been ratified, local private broadcasters also expressed concern earlier over the adverse effect on the revenue of broadcasters due to the ban on sale of more airtime to candidates.
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