Maldives Broadcasting Commission (Broadcom) has made it mandatory for TV stations to give equal opportunity to candidates of the presidential election.

In the regulations published in the government gazette, Broadcom stated that TV stations should disclose the time to be given to candidates and their political parties and the price, within 48 hours after the Elections Commission (EC) announces the names of the eligible candidates.

In the gazette, Broadcom stated that all TV stations should begin giving equal opportunity to the candidates within a week of EC’s announcement, and that they will not be allowed to give a candidate more time than the other, whether through paid or free promotions.

According to the regulations, candidates will be given at least 30 minutes every night between 9pm to 12am but there is no restriction to giving them extra time. If their broadcasts are interrupted due to technical difficulties or breaking news, the remaining part of the content should be aired as soon as possible.

TV stations should also notify Broadcom of the free and paid content aired of candidates and provide details on a weekly basis.

Broadcasters will be held responsibility for what candidates and the members of their political parties say during the broadcasts.

Broadcasters that violate the regulations may face either a warning or be made to issue a statement of apology. If they are found to have repeatedly violated the regulations, broadcasters will have to make changes to their schedule according to the commission’s directions.