The Maldives Parliament has passed the Media and Regulation Bill, a legislation that seeks to dissolve the Maldives Media Council (MMC) and the Maldives Broadcasting Commission (BroadCom), replacing them with a new seven-member body - the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission (MMBC).

The bill, submitted on August 18 by Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakur, an independent lawmaker aligned with the government, was approved with overwhelming support.

Of the 63 MPs present during the vote, 60 voted in favor, while only Velidhoo MP Mohamed Abbas voted against it.

The bill was brought to the floor today after being reviewed by the Parliament’s Independent Institutions Committee for the second time.

Unlike yesterday’s approval by the same committee without legal consultation, today’s review included input from Counsel General Fathimath Filza, who advised that the legislation did not contradict the Constitution.

Six amendments were incorporated into the bill during the committee stage before it was passed.

The legislation has sparked intense debate both domestically and internationally.

Journalists and media rights groups have consistently voiced opposition, warning of potential threats to press freedom. At a committee meeting earlier this month, journalists unanimously expressed concerns over the bill.

The Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) also submitted a petition to the Parliament and the President’s Office, signed by more than 150 journalists, urging the rejection of the bill.

Despite strong opposition, some groups have rallied in support of the legislation.

Demonstrators representing both sides of the debate gathered near the Parliament building today to express their views as lawmakers voted.