President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has ratified the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill, officially bringing it into law just 42 hours after its passage in Parliament.

The legislation, introduced by Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru, was passed on Tuesday night with overwhelming support.

Out of the 63 MPs present, 60 voted in favor, while only Velidhoo MP Mohamed Abbas opposed the bill.

The bill has sparked intense debate across the country. Journalists, media organizations, and international press freedom advocates have strongly voiced concerns, warning that the law could restrict press freedom.

Earlier this month, more than 150 journalists signed a petition, submitted by the Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) to both Parliament and the President’s Office, urging the withdrawal of the bill.

Meanwhile, groups supporting the bill also expressed their views, with opposing demonstrators gathering near Parliament on the day of the vote.

Parliament had incorporated six major amendments before passing the bill.

The Counsel General of Parliament advised that none of its provisions conflict with the Constitution.

With the ratification, the bill has abolished Law No. 78/47 (Law on Newspapers, Magazines, and Such Items) and dissolved the Maldives Media Council, established under the 2008 Media Council Act. Additionally, the Maldives Broadcasting Commission, formed under the 2010 Broadcasting Act, has been reconstituted as the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission.

Until the new Commission is formally established and its members assume office, a temporary five-member committee appointed by the Civil Service Commission will oversee its operations.