PSM functioned as a media wing for PNC during recent elections: Meekail
A resolution has been submitted and debated in the People's Majlis alleging that the state media, PSM, has shown bias and failed to provide equitable coverage to opposition parties. The resolution accuses PSM of unlawfully promoting the government and disseminating inaccurate information regarding elections, while calling for the broadcaster to remain free from political influence and ensure fair opportunities for all political entities.
Meekail Ahmed Naseem, Member of Parliament for the South Galolhu constituency. | Majlis
Member of Parliament for the South Galolhu constituency, Meekail Ahmed Naseem, has stated that during the Local Council elections, Women's Development Committee elections, and the referendum held on April 4, the state broadcaster, Public Service Media (PSM), operated as a media wing for the ruling People's National Congress (PNC).
During Monday's Parliament sitting, lawmakers debated a resolution regarding Public Service Media (PSM) allegedly discriminating against political parties. The resolution claims the state broadcaster failed to provide the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) with equal opportunities to disseminate information to the public.
Debating the resolution, Meekail noted that the Managing Director of Public Service Media (PSM) has been changed three times since the current administration took office. However, the member stated that these leadership changes have not altered the broadcaster's operations, remarking that PSM remains unchanged in its conduct.
Meekail further noted that throughout the entire election, Public Service Media (PSM) appeared to function as the media wing of the People's National Congress (PNC).
The entire election was conducted with a heavy bias, functioning essentially as a pro-government campaign. However, when the results came in, the public delivered a resounding "no." They said no to PSM as well. The Maldivian people have rejected the use of PSM’s media platforms to seek political and financial gain through bias. They have said no to the practice of utilizing the national treasury to fund and distribute promotional coverage for specific individuals through state media.Meekail Ahmed Naseem, Member of Parliament for the South Galolhu constituency.
The resolution states that the objective of PSM is to remain a national media outlet that serves all regions of the Maldives, operating free from influence and with full editorial independence within the general principles and policies prescribed by law.
The resolution notes that Article 5 (k) of the Public Service Media Act defines state media policy as striving to provide services without discrimination among the public. It further mandates that Public Service Media must ensure equality in providing opportunities to both individuals and various organizations.
The resolution stated that by the conclusion of the public referendum to determine support for holding presidential and parliamentary elections simultaneously, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) had not been afforded an adequate opportunity to sufficiently inform the public on the matter.
Furthermore, the resolution highlighted that the state broadcaster, Public Service Media (PSM), published news reports claiming the ruling party had secured the most votes in the Local Council and Women's Development Committee elections held on April 4th, thereby disseminating explicitly false information to the public.
