The Maldives has climbed two places in the World Press Freedom Index released by Reporters Without Borders on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day.
This year, the Maldives ranked 104th in the index compared to 106th in the previous year. Despite the modest improvement, the Maldives remains one of the countries where it is ‘difficult’ to practice journalism.
The Maldives fell 13 ranks during the last Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) government under former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. In contrast, the current government under President Dr Mohamed Muizzu is launching multiple efforts to ensure the freedom of journalists, including practicing a culture of disclosure and transparency. President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has personally initiated several programmes to closely share information with the public.
The President has announced that he would allow journalists the opportunity to ask any question they wish on this year’s World Press Freedom Day. This also reflects the importance this government attaches  to providing information to journalists and ensuring freedom of the press.