Public Service Media (PSM) has announced that the Presidential Debate, co-organised with the Maldives National University (MNU), is set to be broadcast on 1 September 2023.
A statement released by the public broadcaster PSM said that two debates will be produced—one for presidential candidates and another among their running mates. The debate involving the running mates will be aired in August.
The statement further mentioned that invitations have been extended to all eight candidates to participate in the public debate, and all of them have confirmed their interest in taking part.
The public broadcaster has been conducting live debates in collaboration with the national university since 2013. These debates have become significant aspects of recent election campaigns.
In 2018, the candidate from MDP, the incumbent President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, opted to boycott the debate, citing the then government’s undue influence on the public broadcaster.
PSM’s various channels, including Television Maldives, PSM News, and DhivehiRajjeyge Adu, have been broadcasting a variety of programmes aimed at raising awareness about the candidates’ policies, while also providing an equitable platform for campaigning.