Commission urges broadcasters to follow the Elections Act, The Code of Practice and Guideline on Broadcasting Political Content During Elections

August 26, 2013

Commission urges broadcasters to follow the Elections Act, The Code of Practice and Guideline on Broadcasting Political Content During Elections.

Following is the text of the circular sent by the Maldives Broadcasting Commission to all Broadcasting stations.

“We urge all broadcasting stations to refrain from broadcasting any content that defames presidential candidates and also refrain from engaging in anti-campaigning aimed changing public perception towards a candidate. We urge all broadcasters to air news and information on presidential candidates with due respect and dignity.

“Moreover, we request all broadcasters to abide by Article 30 of the General Elections Act and give Direct Access to all candidates in a fair and equal manner. Also we urge all broadcasters to refrain from any activity that could disrupt the facilitation for a free and fair election.

“We take this opportunity to remind all broadcasting stations to adhere to the Broadcast Code of Practice enacted under the Broadcasting Act (16/2010).

“Furthermore in this politically polarized situation we urge all broadcasters to air news and information based on facts and in a balanced and fair manner. The “Guideline on broadcasting political content during Elections” published by the Commission will be a helpful guide for broadcasters in reporting during elections time. This guideline was formulated in accordance to International Best Practices and with the assistance of a US media expert.

“In this 2013 Presidential Election period the Commission calls on all broadcasters to abide by the General Elections Act, the Broadcasting Code of Practice and the Guideline on Broadcasting Political Content during Elections.”