Maldives Journalist Association (MJA) and Transparency Maldives have expressed concerns over possible curtailing of the scope of journalists following Presidential Elections 2023.

The civil society organizations expressed concern over the proposed amendment to the Elections Act stating that elections can only be covered by registered journalists. As per the amendment, only journalists permitted by the Elections Commission (EC) can enter polling areas during elections day.

The joint press release by MJA and Transparency stated that this is a concerning amendment to be proposed just months prior to the elections. They added that as the Fourth Estate, the media plays a vital role in check and balance to ensure that the polls are legitimate and curtailing their rights would raise questions about the legitimacy of the elections.

"If this amendment is passed it would take away the right to elections coverage from international media and freelance journalists in the Maldives," the statement said.