The other major event the voter education branch was going to have was a debate. That did not happen either. It was to be held in one of the studios at TVM, but the management of the state run TV station ultimately answers to the government and, while they say they are being objective, there appears to be some pressure from officials.
President Gayoom's party issued a press release saying he does not need to debate because he has been the head of state for 30 years. At almost the same time as this press release was sent out , the manager of TVM informed us that he was not going to let debate organizers use the studio because only two or three of the candidates were planning to attend.
Although others may feel differently, I believe this experience shows that the government TV station, while trying to give the appearance of objectivity, still caves to pressure from the government, and sees no problem with this.
About Me
- Andrew Clement
- Walnut, CA, United States
- I am an American high school student doing a summer internship in the newsroom of TV Maldives. It's an away-mission to a 100% Muslim country that is having its first democratic election. I'll be working on the business desk. My adventures and observations will be on this blog.
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