Following ruling party's complaint, MBC sends strong warning to broadcasters

Maldives Broadcasting Commission (MBC) has warned to suspend broadcasters that 'undermine the electoral rights of presidential candidates'.

The Commission's deputy, Ismail Sofwan told RaajjeMV that broadcasters will be held 'accountable', if proven to have repeatedly violated such rights 'even if they have been previously imposed a fine and paid the said fine'.

Noting that there are regulations to be followed in providing equal air time for presidential candidates, Sofwan emphasized that the broadcasting commission has the power to penalize those that do not adhere to them.

He added that the Commission has the authority to advise broadcasters, send warnings and order them to remove certain programmes from their schedules.

"If, even after being fined and paying said fine, broadcasters continue to violate regulations, we will penalize them. The Commission has the power to suspend those that fail to provide equal air time to candidates, as per electoral laws," said Sofwan, adding that they will not hesitate to take action against these broadcasters.

The Commission's warning comes on the heels of ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM)'s complaints that independent broadcaster, RaajjeTV is refusing to provide the party air time.

The station just paid a record MVR two million fine, imposed over allegations of airing content that defamed President Abdulla Yameen and threatened national security. Furthermore, the incumbent president has filed cases against RaajjeTV, both at the broadcasting commission and Civil Court, accusing it of infringing upon the president's electoral and personal rights.