The Broadcasting Commission (Broadcom) has ordered RaajjeTV to stop covering the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)’s primary election.

Broadcom Vice President Ahmed Sofwan sent an SMS to RaajjeTV on Wednesday during the primary election, saying that the live coverage of the election was illegal.

The SMS was sent from Sofwan’s own phone number.

Sofwan justified the order by citing article 36(d) of the Anti-Defamation Act.

Article 36(a) of the Anti-Defamation Act states that broadcasters should stop their live coverage of any event that violates the rules and regulations. Article 36(d) states that that the live feed of such content should be stopped immediately upon the request of relevant authorities.