Hussain Hassan resigned yesterday from the Maldives Media Council (MMC).

In a letter addressed to MMC President Hussain Shageef, Hussain said he resigned from his MMC membership because he is holding an elected position in a political party. However, he said that holding a position in a political party is not a legal barrier to being a member of the MMC.

"My hope is for the Media Council to remain as an independent institution free from negative influences. I hope the council will work to establish journalistic principles and a free media environment," Hussain said in his letter.

Hussain Hassan has won the by-election for the presidency of the MDP's GA. Villingili constituency, the main opposition party. With this, he has gained a seat in the MDP's National Council. Hussain won this election competing against Saud Hussain, who had won the parliamentary seat for the Villingili constituency in the past two terms.