Government Spreading Misinformation via State Media Regarding Referendum: Niyaz
Niyaz stated that the programs being aired by PSM, purportedly to raise public awareness about the referendum, exclusively feature proponents of the vote while failing to provide a platform for opposing viewpoints.
Former Hulhumale' Member of Parliament Ali Niyaz. | RaajjeMV | Raajje MV
Former Member of Parliament for the Hulhumale' constituency, Ali Niyaz, has stated that state media is being used to disseminate misinformation regarding the upcoming referendum, while the opposition is being denied the opportunity to clarify the facts.
The main opposition party, MDP, staged a protest at the state media premises on Monday, alleging a lack of equitable coverage and opportunities. The MDP decided to demonstrate after their repeated requests for a meeting to address these concerns were ignored, with no official available to consult with them.
Niyaz stated that the state media is a 24-hour station and that there should always be someone available to meet with visitors upon their arrival.
Niyaz stated that the programs being aired by Public Service Media (PSM), under the guise of raising public awareness for the referendum, exclusively feature proponents campaigning in favor of it, while failing to present opposing views. He further emphasized that the state media must provide equal opportunities to all parties, noting that the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has previously shared these concerns with the Elections Commission.
Niyaz stated that the state media is currently observed to be working solely to promote the government's stance on the referendum. He further questioned whether these programs are being directed by the President's Office.
Referendums have been conducted in the Maldives previously, during which the state media played a vital role in public awareness by presenting perspectives from both sides of the issue. However, the awareness programs conducted by the authorities thus far have been one-sided, appearing solely focused on promoting the government's stance on the upcoming referendum.Ali Niyaz, the former Member of Parliament for the Hulhumale' constituency.
Niyaz also stated that false information regarding the referendum is being disseminated through state media.
Furthermore, Niyaz stated that the government is currently using its supermajority to intimidate independent institutions. He added that the ongoing vote is being conducted through the Elections Commission by force.
Niyaz further stated that the state media is funded by taxpayers' money and must operate under a specific legal framework. Consequently, he emphasized that equal opportunities must be afforded to all parties.
