In a significant turn of events, independent candidates have secured their place in the upcoming presidential debate, organized by Sangu TV in collaboration with Public Service Media (PSM). The inclusion of independent candidates comes after both Sangu TV and PSM faced backlash for initially inviting only candidates representing political parties.
Sangu TV, acting as the sole organizer of the presidential debate after PSM canceled its own scheduled debate, took to the public on Tuesday to announce the participation of five candidates from various political parties. Among these participants is President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. However, the absence of independent candidates prompted criticism, leading to a reconsideration of the debate’s format.
Responding swiftly to the concerns raised by independent candidates, Sangu TV and PSM jointly confirmed on Wednesday that invitations had been extended to all candidates, and their participation had been duly accepted. This inclusive decision is aimed at ensuring that the discourse provides an equitable platform for candidates from all backgrounds to express their policies and visions to the electorate.
The much-anticipated presidential debate is scheduled to take place on Saturday evening from 9 to 11 pm. The event will benefit from the support of the Maldives National University (MNU), which is poised to play a role in facilitating the debate.
With a total of eight contenders in the presidential race, including three independent candidates, the debate promises to be a dynamic exchange of ideas and viewpoints.
The decision to collaborate with Sangu TV emerged as PSM chose to cancel its own debate. This move came shortly after the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) called for the rescheduling of the debate due to its overlapping timing with a major MDP campaign rally in Male on Friday evening. While PSM’s actions have drawn criticism from opposition parties, allegations suggesting that President Solih influenced the cancellation have sparked further debate within the political landscape.
As the revised debate format welcomes all candidates, including those outside the realm of political parties, the stage is set for a comprehensive discourse that reflects the diverse spectrum of ideas within the Maldivian political arena.
