The President's Office on Wednesday has extended the deadline for applications for the post of member of the Maldives Broadcasting Commission (MBC).

The initial deadline of Monday, February 6, 2023, falls on a government holiday.

President Solih declared February 6 a government holiday as he is scheduled to deliver his Presidential Address to the members of the People's Majlis on that day.

The new application deadline for membership in MBC will expire at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 8, 2023.

The President’s Office opened applications for the vacant post of an MBC member on 26 January.

The application window was opened as the tenure of an existing member is expiring.

Applications will be accepted from 9:30am to 12:30pm on the given dates.

Interested individuals may access the application forms through the official website of the President’s Office or the office’s reception.

This is the second time applications have been opened at the commission this ongoing month.

Applications were opened the first time round on January 12.

This comes following the appointment of Mohamed Fazeen as the Vice President of the commission, on January 19.

Fazeen’s appointment to the post comes following the resignation of Ahmed Gais.

Fazeen was appointed a member of Broadcom in March 2021.

Fazeen, native to Thulhaadhoo island in Baa atoll, served at RaajjeTV as a Senior Video Journalist for many years and has a lot of experience in the field of journalism, especially in politics. Fazeen graduated from Villa College with a Diploma in Information Technology, in July 2010.

The new appointee kicked off his journalism career from Channel News Maldives during March 2012 and went on to join RaajjeTV in February 2014 until his appointment to Broadcom.

Fazeen also has a background in hotel management and operations.

Fazeen’s appointment as a Broadcom member came following the resignation of former Broadcom member Zeena Zahir, who tendered her resignation on 28 October 2020, amid a no-confidence motion.

The Majlis committee on independent institutions earlier that month, decided to move forward with a no-confidence motion against Zeena, who was appointed to the commission in April 2016. Zeena resigned prior to a vote.

Broadcom comprises of seven members. Four positions became vacant after Fathmath Zaina’s removal and three members, including President Mohamed Shaheeb’s resignation. Mariyam Waheedha was elected as the commission’s President, Ahmed Gais as Vice President and Ali Yoosuf as a member during 2019. Other members of the commission include Amjad Waheed, Shifla Ibrahim and Aminath Ameena.

The commission is tasked with ensuring that broadcasters comply with the Broadcasting Act.