Public Service Media (PSM) has announced the cancellation of the presidential debate that was organized in collaboration with Maldives National University (MNU).
The debate was canceled following a request from Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) candidate and current president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih to postpone it due to scheduling conflicts.
PSM said in a statement that the debate program was cancelled due to the inability of some candidates to attend, citing their ongoing campaign activities. The decision was also based on the concern that rescheduling the program so close to the election date could disrupt the campaign efforts of the candidates.
PSM has determined that rescheduling the debate for a later date is not the most suitable option. Instead, they have chosen to collaborate with other agencies that have already organized presidential debates on more convenient dates.
While PSM canceled its debate, Sangu TV is preparing to host a presidential debate before the election.
PSM has decided to collaborate with Sangu TV to broadcast their presidential debate on state media.
"We are now making all the necessary arrangements to air the presidential debate from Sangu TV after partnering with them," PSM said in their statement.
President Solih's campaign spokesperson and Minister of Defense, Mariya Ahmed Didi, confirmed that the MDP candidate is scheduled to attend a large campaign rally in Malé City this Friday evening.
"There is nothing we can do now. We have always requested to be provided with dates beforehand," Mariya said, noting that President Solih's attendance for the Friday evening rally was scheduled before PSM's invitation.
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