Male' - According to some local reports,
expatriate workers from Bangladesh are planning to stage a demonstration
today in Male' at the Republican Square to protest against the continued
violence they have to face in the Maldives. Over the last couple of weeks,
there has been several incidents of violence involving Bangladeshi workers
in the country, the main one of which was the murder of one in
Kulhudhuffushi island in the North. It is now alleged that he was murdered
by a co-worker. Bangladesh authorities have also raised concerned over these
recent events and have requested the Maldives Dictator to do more to protect
their citizens living and working in the Maldives. The Maldives authorities
have responded to the call for the demonstration by claiming that it would
be illegal and are threatening that all those who participate in the
demonstration will be deported immediately. Commenting on the matter, a
Maldivian businessman said, "next, they will be protesting to form the next
government of the Maldives," raising concern over the growing number of
expatriates in the country, especially those living and working without a
valid work permit.
Lanka Business Online Maldives
strongman wants to rule on into fourth decade
MALE, August, 2007 (AFP) - Asia's longest serving leader, Maumoon Abdul
Gayoom, says he wants to be the first directly elected president of the
Maldives after winning a landslide victory for his political reform package.
Gayoom told AFP that he would invite the opposition to join him in
implementing sweeping reforms in the Indian Ocean atoll nation, after
winning 62 percent support for a US-style presidential system in a weekend
referendum.
more
Haveeru News Attacks
against expatriates almost a daily occurrence
A spate of attacks against Bangladeshi expatriate workers here may be only
the tip of the iceberg; the issue may be broadly related to a rise in racism
and xenophobia among local youth recently. Two Bangladeshi workers have
already been "freed" by authorities after they were found tied for days
while the government has started investigations into the gruesome murder of
28-year-old Mogul Hussain who is said to have been attacked by a fellow
Bangladeshi co-worker. more
MDP
members arrested after tension near Parliament House
Male' - Three key reformists were arrested and
taken to Dhoonidhoo prison last night, after tension near the Parliament
House. MDP's Parliament Campaign' manager Mohamed Zuhair (Juhaa) and
National Council Member Imran Zahir (Bakuree) were amongst those arrested
last night. According to reports, tension began after police disrupted a
queue outside the Parliament House by pushing them away whilst they were
waiting to enter the house to hear the session of the Constitutional
Assembly, which was scheduled to debate the issue of vote fraud and rigging
in the recently held referendum. According to eyewitness, the crowd was
pushed well away from the area and ended up near Olympus Cinema in Majeedhee
Magu. Even then police kept ordering the public to disperse and cordoned off
the roads to the Parliament House, angering them and disrupting the flow of
traffic. Several others including Sangu Hussain, of multimedia company
Digiland, was also arrested only to be released later. Tension died down
after police began beating up people and dispersing the crowd.
view photos
Security News
Commentary: China
challenges the U.S. in the Indian Ocean
Military strategists in India raise their blood
pressure levels by pointing to China's
"encirclement" of the country through an
archipelago of military and intelligence assets
around the periphery of the world's only
billion-plus democracy. The reality, however, is
that India has been displaced by the United
States as the primary target of Beijing's
attention and actions, at least since 1999.
more
There is absolutely no doubt that the public
referendum held in the Maldives on 18th August to decide on the system of
government was heavily rigged by the regime of the longest serving dictator
in Asia. However, at this point in time, how the Maldives Dictator managed
to rig the votes and produce the result he wanted is, as far as I am
concerned, completely immaterial. What matters is the implications that will
follow in the coming weeks and months.
more
Buzzle.com Exclusive Ahmed
Moosa on Historic Referendum In Maldives
The referendum was a blessing in
disguise. One chapter of history has been written, it has awakened many. The
Maldives went through a referendum on August 18, 2007 on whether it should
have a presidential or parliamentary form of Government. One of the founding
members of the MDP and Editor-in-Chief of Dhivehi Observer, Ahmed Moosa, who
lives in exile, spoke about the referendum.
more
News Review
Kutti
Nasheed to be declared Holy Roman Emperor
After the
departure of Dr Saeed, Dr Shaheed, and Mr Jameel,
ministers are falling all over each other for
the spoils. All three ministers ran important
parts of the reform agenda. The core of the
reform programme was run by Attorney General's
Office with sweeping legal reforms. The New
Penal Code is an example of the reforms drafted
by the AG. Dr Shaheed's Foreign Ministry
galloped towards subscribing to international
human rights standards.
more
it is
now also being suggested that there is evidence of a
Maldives link to the Hyderabad blasts
Bangladesh and Maldives: The terror link
Even as security agencies pin the Hyderabad terror attack on the Bangladesh
based militant outfit HUJI, links to Maldives also emerge. Security agencies
have confirmed the involvement of Bangladesh based militant outfit Huji in the
bomb blasts that rocked Hyderabad on Saturday (Aug 25). And now it is now also
being suggested that there is evidence of a Maldives link to the terror threat
to India. TIMES NOW gives an report.
read & watch report
Asia Times Bomb
attacks raise new Indian fears
NEW DELHI - Indian officials have pointed their fingers at the "usual suspects"
- Pakistan and Bangladesh - after the twin bomb blasts that killed at least 43
and injured more than 100 people this Sunday at India's cyber-city of Hyderabad.
Indian intelligence agencies say a new terror channel has emerged that begins in
Pakistan, passes through Male in Maldives and then goes to the southern Indian
cities that have direct flights to Male. Maldives is an Islamic state, and in
the recent past traditional moderate views have been tossed aside because of
an increasingly insecure President Abdul Gayoom, who has begun patronizing
madrassas (seminaries) that foment extremists. Gayoom has ruled Maldives for
almost three decades.
more
Man
who help rig the referendum by posting 200 ballot papers get promoted
As reported on 18th
August, during the referendum voting, one of the election officials, Mr.
Ibrahim Moosa Manik, of Ma. Evening Garden, posted 200 ballot papers at a
Henveyru voting booth has been promoted by the regime. Manik, who was an
engineer at the Department of Posts & Telecommunications, has since been
promoted to Senior Engineer. This promotion is directly linked to his efforts in
rigging the referendum results, sources say. Manik was caught posting 200 ballot
papers into the box and despite the reports no action was taken in relation to
that act but rather he has now been rewarded, as expected. According to the
information we received on this corrupt official, he is a hardcore regime
loyalist and a senior member of dictator's party (DRP) and his wife is a cop,
who also reportedly played a similar role in rigging the ballots on Saturday
18th August.
Referendum News
Human
Rights Commission of Maldives accused of perjury
Legal analysts working for the opposition MDP have
accused the Human Rights Commission of Maldives of perjury and wilful deception
after the rights body went on national television to declare the results of the
Referendum on a system of governance as valid.
more
Local News Police
assault crowd protesting Referendum fraud, arrest MDP Chairperson Mohamed
Nasheed
Chairperson of the Maldivian Democratic Party Mohamed Nasheed was assaulted and
handcuffed by twenty Police personnel near the Parliament building at 1145 am
today. Mr. Nasheed was bundled into a Police van and driven off immediately
afterwards. He was among a crowd of over 200 people gathered near the Parliament
building to protest and voice their appeal for the Peoples Special Assembly
(Constitutional Assembly) to convene a session to debate irregularities
pertaining to the Referendum held on 18 August 2007. The Police had singled out
Mr. Nasheed, surrounding him and shoving him in a display of force aimed at the
hundreds of supporters in the gathering. Two other MDP supporters, leading
activist Ibrahim Manik and National Council member Eva Abdulla, are reported to
have been also arrested at the scene. The Maldivian Democratic Party had earlier
published a 25 page report detailing irregularities and fraudulent practices
that had occurred during the referendum. The party had accused the government of
systematic rigging and vote stuffing during the referendum and had declared the
results announced by the Elections Commissioner as unacceptable.
News Review
From
H&K to H&J - New Strategy for New Maldives
According to reports, the trio that resigned from
Maldives Dictator's cabinet this month, Dr. Hassan Saeed, Mohamed Jameel and Dr.
Ahmed Shaheed, is setting up a law firm in the Maldives. The young trio quit the
regime because they got fed up with the slow pace of reform, which they help
sell to the international community.
more
Rights For All Campaign
Child
abuse is a major problem in our society
It's high time we start working against child
abuse in our small country. Together, we can get rid of this inhumane practice
from our society. Rights for All (RFA) is a recently registered NGO to
address issues of human rights. We believe that the state must ensure that they
have taken all reasonable measures to prevent, investigate and punish all forms
of abuse against children. In addition we believe that awareness about child
abuse and also about the rights of the child to the society as well to the child
will make a positive impact on the status of children.
more
Gulf News Dhaka
seeks security of workers in Maldives
DHAKA: Bangladesh has asked the Maldives to protect its nationals who have come
under attacks in the island state. Foreign Adviser Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury
expressed concern over the alleged attacks on Bangladeshi workers in Maldives
that resulted in the death of one worker. In a letter to the Maldivian foreign
minister, the adviser urged him to take necessary steps to ensure the safety and
security of Bangladeshi workers in the island.
more
Summary
Report on Irregularities related to Referendum
on system of governance held on 18 August 2007
The MDP supported
and campaigned to promote a parliamentary system
of governance pursuant to a resolution passed
by the party's Congress. In its campaign MDP
adhered to laws and regulations pertaining to
public secret ballots as well as the regulations
passed by the People's Special Majlis
(Constitutional Assembly) for this Referendum.
more
Local News Deputy
Police Commissioner leaves the country
Male' - Reliable sources reveal that Deputy Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim
Latheef, left the country to Australia on 17th August on a 4 years leave to do
his PhD research. The source also confirmed that Golhaabo refused to accept his
resignation from the police and that this was just a pretext for him to leave
the force, at least for the time being. DO reported earlier in June that Latheef
had submitted his resignation along with former Home Minister Thasmeen, who was
transferred to Atoll Ministry.
Travel News
Luxury
Tour Operator Maldives Direct Partners with SendUsPacking.com
UK based Maldives Direct has partnered with online travel gift list provider
SendUsPacking.com to make the
Maldives an even more desirable destination for weddings and honeymooners. The
SendUsPacking website is the world's only online travel gift list service that
has been developed and built specifically for Tour Operators. The system allows
any persons embarking on a luxury holiday to invite their friends and family to
help contribute towards the cost of the trip. SendUsPacking's collaboration with
high end Tour Operators gives travellers the best choice of destinations
throughout the world. more
Breaking News Fish
collector vessel on fire in Laamu Atoll
Laamu Atoll - 13:30 - The main flame has been
controlled, according to police and no one was
injured in the incident.
13:15 - A fish
collector vessel, MV Oivaali 108, belonging to
operators of Maandhoo Fisheries Complex, Horizon
Fisheries, caught fire this morning and has not
been extinguished, reports say. The vessel is
moored outside Maandhoo island, police and
airport fire rescue services and well as the
public have been attempting to extinguish the
fire but to no avail, says eyewitness. This
vessel is the largest of all collector vessels
operated by the company, which is one of the two
licensed fish purchasers in the Zone 3, with
bases in Laamu and Thaa Atoll.
Minivan News Shahid
And Muiz Replace New Maldives In Cabinet
Abdullah Shahid has been appointed to the
cabinet as Foreign Minister one month after he
tried to resign from the government. He is
joined in the cabinet by new Justice Minister
Mohamed Muiz Adnan. The appointments come as
President Gayoom grapples with the resignation
of the three most vocal and recognisable
advocates of reform in his cabinet, in the space
of three weeks.
more
Referendum
News Update Addu
mocks referendum re-vote
Hithadhoo - Supporters of 'Parliamentary System'
mocked yesterday's revote in Addu by casting
their votes into a cardboard box. According to
the campaigners, they did so to express their
outrage over the widespread vote rigging in
Saturday's referendum. "We did caste our votes
on Saturday, it was rigged, so voting again is
useless, because this will legitimise the vote
rigging of the Dictator", said Mohamed from Addu.
Long queue's were there near the cardboard
ballot box, from 8 am till 8 pm yesterday.
Re-voting of ballot box 4 and 5 were conducted
yesterday, after irregularities were discovered,
said the Election Commission. Whilst many
believe that this was setup to show they were
doing everything according to the rules and
regulations of the election process, which is
not the case.
more
Asia Media Maldives
dictator versus the free media
'Dhivehi Observer' editor Ahmed Moosa discusses
the past, present and future of press freedom in
Maldives and media efforts to challenge the
regime. A free press is the single most
important tool to maintain good governance and a
sustainable democracy. Oppressive regimes such
as that of Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom in the Maldives
-- some people call him "president" but I call
him "dictator" - have always tried to have total
control over media as a means of remaining in
power and suppressing public opinion.
more
Reuters
Maldives President sees reforms complete in 2-3
yrs
MALE, Aug 20 (Reuters) - Maldives President
Maumoon Abdul Gayoom aims to complete a raft of
democratising reforms in his Indian Ocean
archipelago within 2-3 years and says he is not
seeking to indefinitely extend his three-decade
rule. Buoyed by a weekend referendum seen as an
endorsement of his rule, Asia's longest-serving
leader will run for re-election at the island
cluster's first multi-party presidential
elections next year. But he stressed in an
interview that, after 29 years in power, one
more five-year term would be enough.
more
Times of India Maldivian
Foreign Minister resigns, cites argument with
Parliament
MALE: The Maldives' Foreign Minister, a major
proponent of democratic reform in the
government, resigned on Tuesday, just two days
after the President won a major victory in a
national referendum. Ahmed Shaheed is the third
reformist member of President Maumoon Abdul
Gayoom's Cabinet to resign this month, following
the Attorney General and the Justice Minister.
more
Due to
some technical issues related to the DO main
server, uploads to regular sites is delayed. We
shall update as soon as the matter is resolved.
DO Team - 22
August 2007
Tuesday 21 August
2007
Breaking News Protest
outside Dharubaaruge over referendum results
Male' - 00:05 - A large crowd is reportedly
protesting outside Dharubaaruge in Male', where
votes of Saturday's referendum votes are being
counted, checked and processed. The crowd,
believed to be members of MDP and other
supporters of the 'Parliamentary System' are
angry over very obvious vote rigging in
Saturday's ballots and are demanding a new
ballot, sources say. There are also reports of
some arrests and more police being deployed to
the area. Tension has been high in the country,
especially in Male' and Addu, since the
referendum. There are also reports that some
members of the 11-member committee of the
Special Majlis are refusing to endorse the
results, due to serious vote rigging and fraud
allegations.
Monday 20 August
2007
Local News A
Bangladeshi worker murdered in Kulhudhuffushi
Kulhudhuffushi - A Bangladeshi worker has been
found murdered in Kuludhuffushi in Haa Dhaalu
Atoll this morning. His badly stabbed body was
found this morning around 8:30 by the public.
According to reports, Mogul Hussain, 28, has
very serious wounds and stabs to his body. His
penis was also mutilated, giving suspicious that
this was a premeditated murder. Three men,
including his boss Mohamed Adam, his son and a
co-worker, who is also from Bangladesh, have
been detained for questioning. A forensic team
is currently on its way to the island for
investigations.
In a press release
on Sunday, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)
stated that it does not accept the results of
Saturday's referendum held in the country to
decide on the system of government
(Parliamentary or Presidential) the new
constitution will adopt. The party also called
the People's Special Majlis not to accept this
result owing to a great deal of mishandling and
election fraud, which led to the surprise
result, as far as the party was concerned. Of
the five political parties, MDP was the only
party that canvassed for a 'Parliamentary
System' of government and earlier forecasted a
comfortable victory as the party has great
support in all major populated areas, such as
Male' and Addu. It is widely believed that the
vote was rigged in almost all areas and delays
in counting as well as shock results and huge
turn out of 150,000 all add weight to the claim
that the election result was rigged.
Referendum News
Reports
that the dictator printed more than 500,000 ballot papers
Maldives Dictator
had pre-planned to rig Saturday's vote and
printing extra ballot papers was part of the
plan, it's been revealed. "We know that he had
printed 500,000 ballot papers, but as we
witnessed on the day, lots of stations ran out
of ballot papers and in the case of Thinadhoo,
papers were brought later on by a chartered
flight," said Saleem Ali, asserting his view
that the vote was rigged. "Also, the ink used in
the voting was not permanent so many supporters
of the regime, especially police in the island
were able to vote more than once. We did not
think about all this when we were monitoring the
voting procedure," he added further. Despite
this large quantity to printed ballot papers, we
understand that new papers are being printed for
the re-run of voting in two locations in
Hithadhoo, which many are saying that they will
boycott in protest for rigging the vote.
Breaking News
MDP members
gathering near Haruge in Male' in protest of
vote rigging
Male' - 11:56 - Reports
are coming that several MDP members are
gathering in Haruge Male' in protest over
reported vote rigging, which has become more
apparent as the results of the ballot boxes in
Male' are being announced. According our
sources, for some specific boxes, the results
being announced does not tally with the exit
readings taken by MDP throughout the day
yesterday. In addition, certain MDP hardcore
areas have revealed fairly balanced votes for
both systems, raising suspicion about widespread
vote rigging by the regime.
Referendum News
Hithadhoo
ballot box issues
Re-voting for Ballot Box 4
and re-count of ballot box 5 in Male' and
possible re-voting if any issues arise as to
vote mishandling or rigging says Election
Commissioner KD Manik.
Referendum News
Vote rigging
plan in Kulhudhuffushi uncovered
Kulhudhuffushi - Confirmed
reports are coming that people of the island are
near the island office as they uncovered ballot
boxes from other islands in the Atoll (Haa
Dhaalu), in Kulhudhuffushi. One box was that of
Nellaidhoo which was found in a van and the
other was the box of Nolhivaramfaru. It is not
know how the boxes got here as counting was
supposed to be carried out in respective island
and results announced there.
Referendum News
Staff of
Reethi Rah Resort concerned over delay in formal
announcement of their result
Staff in RRR (One & Only) are
said to be very concerned over the delay in
formal announcement of the result of their
votes, believed to be hugely in favour of
Parliamentary System. Reports are coming that
the staff are stopping the ballot box being
taken away to Male' prior to the results being
announced.
Referendum News An
election official casts 200 votes on his own
The man
seen in the photo on the right rigged the ballot
box in Henveyru School. It was the Haa Alifu
Atoll ballot box in which he reportedly placed
200 votes ticked 'Presidential System'. Tension
has been high since the matter surfaced. Do you
know this man? He was reportedly in charge of
the 4 boxes, and he knew 200 had not voted,
hence thought he would do a 'Golhaa', and rig
the box. He reportedly said that he can tick the
list later.
Saturday 18 August
2007
Reuters Maldives
votes in poll seen as President litmus test
"For me it is not a vote for a
parliamentary or presidential system. It is a
question of voting yes or no for the existing
president, and I say no," said 45-year-old speed
boat company manager Ibrahim Mohamed in the
capital Male. "I believe the reform process will
only start after changing this government." "The
islands have prospered, but it has not been
equal. We don't have proper hospital facilities.
Some islanders are living in very poor
conditions," he added. "It is time for him to
go."
more
Live News Update
Public
Referendum 'Maldives Decide'
Tension in
Dhonvehil Beach Resort
Dhonveli ballot
box closed at 1900 hrs but counting did not even
at 23:00 hrs. Election committee says that
number of people who cast vote and number of
ballot papers issued are not equal (100 numbers
vote paper issued / 99 person voted as per their
list). Maybe someone decided to eat his ballot
paper rather than posting it in the box because
mistakenly he ticked in favour of Golhaabo!
Election
Commissioner changes staff at Male' counting HQ
23:45 - Election
Commissioner has changed staff at the counting
HQ - Dharubaaruge unannounced, after we revealed
the results of Landaagiraavaru. There are
reports that counting will be halted for the
night on orders of Golhabo, so his forces can
rig the boxes.
Kolamaafushi
situation update
23:25 - It has
been now decided that counting will be carried
out in the island in the presence of both DRP
and MDP representatives.
Reethi
Rah heavily in favour of Parliamentary System
Reethi Rah Resort results has been faxed to
Commissioner secretly. The results has nearly
300 eligible voters and over 90% (270) is
expected to be in favour of 'Parliamentary
System', our sources say.
As expect Gan ballot box gives Golhaabo massive
lead due to rigging
23:25 - Sources in Addu report that the
Gan ballot box which was noted earlier today for
being heavily rigged has a preliminary result
heavily in favour of Presidential System, 233
votes whilst Parliamentary System got just 75
and 1 vote void.
Some boxes counted but results not announced According to our sources, the very first
ballot boxes that were counted has not been
announced yet. Such as that of Landaa Giraavaru,
which gave Parliamentary System 100 votes and
Presidential System just 2. Similarly, Eriyadhoo
has been counted, Parliamentary 29 and
Presidential 24.
Lots of problems
reports from various location
Kolamaafushi -
22:50 - Reports are coming that there is tension
in the island regarding a ballot box and Police
(Golhaa Force) is already on their way to take
the ballot boxes to the capital island Vilingili
for counting. People of Kolamaafushi are adamant
that the vote has to be counted there and the
issue of vote rigging that led to the tension
must be resolved first.
HA. Baarah - Votes
are counted in a secret room and only Golhaabo's
DRP people are there. Tension is high due to
this matter.
B. Thulhaadhoo -
There was a power cut just as voting finished.
Many are suspicious that it was planned by the
Dictator. Similar incident occurred in Lh.
Kurendhoo as well.
Male' - 22:15 -
Voting did not finish at 7 pm as expected in
some area. Counting has now begun and some
results have been announced. Such as B.
Kihaadhuffaru, 38 votes for Barulamaanee
(Parliamentary) and 21 for Riyaasee
(Presidential). Results are also announced for
Thulhaagiri resort, 39 for Parliamentary and 42
for Presidential.
No ballot papers
in Sonevafushi resort and Thilafushi Island as
well as Herethere in Addu
Male' - 17:00 -
Voting has been continuing all over the country
with a slight break at lunchtime, but concern is
growing over the fact that in several places the
election officials have run out of ballot
papers. Despite earlier notices of the number of
eligible voters in places such as resorts and
industrial islands, election officials did not
take enough ballot papers with them, which is
causing anger amongst people, as can be
expected. Sonevafushi, Herethere and Thilafushi
are amongst the places without enough ballot
papers.
More than half the
staff in Manafaru resort unable to cast their
vote
Manafaru - Sources
in the resort island in Shaviyani Atoll reported
that more than half the staff in the resort who
are eligible to vote have not been able to cast
their votes. The election authority only brought
150 ballot papers whilst there are more than 350
eligible voters in the island. There is anger
and outrage over the issue and the authorities
so far have not tried to resolve the issue.
Manafaru is owned and managed by Mr. Ahmed Siyam
Mohamed (Sun Travels Shiyam), who is MP for
Dhaalu Atoll as well as a Deputy Leader of DRP,
that of Dictator Gayyoom. Mr. Siyam is a staunch
supporter of the 'Parliamentary System' and
hence had been on holiday in Singapore all these
days because he did not want to campaign for a
'Presidential System' as per the orders of his
Leader, the Dictator.
Attempts to rig
the votes in Addu is backfiring
Gan - There
are reports that the Gan ballot box was
temporarily shutdown because there were reports
of people voting twice, once in their island and
then again in Gan. This has been organised by
Dictator's supporters in Feydhoo, headed by
Vimla Rasheed. "Most of these people are from
Feydhoo, supporters of Vimla Rasheed. What they
are doing is voting in Feydhoo and then going to
Gan and voting again, after removing the paint
mark from their fingers," explained Aishath from
Addu. Despite these ill-thoughtout and desperate
attempts to rig the votes, the general outlook
appears to be of calm, as a result of the
vigilance shown by reformists.
Voting
begins in historic referendum to decide on
system of government
The historic referendum to choose the system of
government (parliamentary or presidential) began
at 7 am this morning and will close at 7 pm this
evening unless people are at the polling
stations at 7 pm to vote, in which case they
will be allowed to vote before closing the
ballot box. Despite this official claim, some
resort islands did not get their ballot boxes by
7 am, such as Dhonveli Beach Resort, just 25
minutes from Male', got its box around 8 am.
Voting stopped shortly in G.Dh. Rathafandhoo
around 9 am, due to a voting official, believed
to be Katheeb (Island Chief) entering the
polling both with a voter to cast the vote for
the person. Reformists monitoring the booth got
angry and threatened to throw away the box if
such rigging tactics are used.
Representatives of MDP are counting the number
of persons entering each polling station, to
tally with the count later.
Voting is going on in all inhabited islands and
several resorts and industrial islands totalling
over 230.
For the first time, in this referendum, 18-21
year olds will be voting. Out of Gayyoom's 29
appointed members in the Special Majlis, 27
members voted against that motion.
And, also, for the first time, vote counting
will be conducted in the respective islands and
preliminary results announced this evening,
rather than the ballot boxes being brought to
Male' by police.
In a desperate attempt, the Maldives Dictator
allowed Police and Army to vote for the first
time in this poll, breaking away from the
traditions. They never voted in any poll to this
day.
Despite vote rigging attempts and scams,
reformists are confident that they can monitor
this event well enough to ensure that all goes
smoothly.
One of the major concerns of most reformists is
that there are hundreds of deceased names in the
electoral roll or register and the authorities
might use that number to rig the vote. However,
reformists monitoring the ballot stations are
vigilant and watching out for such events.
Referendum News in Brief
Dictator's
vote rigging scams exposed
Addu - Sources in Addu reported earlier
this morning that Dictator Gayyoom's DRP cronies have printed ballot papers and
have ticked 'Presidential System' in them, in order to be given to their
members, who are to place these papers in the ballot boxes and bring the
original to them, in return for a financial reward. Our source also said that
they are planning to cast votes in the name of the several deceased people on
the voting list published by the Election Commissioner.
Ihavandhoo - There were reported unrest in
Ihavandhoo earlier this morning because the island chief had distributed money
to some residents in return for voting for 'Presidential System' tomorrow.
People gathered near the island office demanding an explanation, sources said.
Kolamaafushi - There is reported unrest in
Kolamaafushi after the authorities failed resolve the issue of where to place
the two ballot boxes assigned to the island. Residents say that both boxes are
under the full control of regime thugs belonging to DRP and hence they fear that
the vote may be rigged. On Thursday, a senior MDP member was also beaten up by
these thugs after he confronted them over the issue.
The Hindu
Polling on referendum begins in the Maldives
THIRUVANATHAPURAM: Polling has begun on the
referendum in the Maldives to elicit the views
of the people on the future form of
Government preferred by them. The choice is
between the Parliamentary and presidential form
of Government. The polling began at 7 a.m. this
morning at most of the polling stations spread
across more than 200 islands in the Maldives.
The polling is peaceful and brisk, barring minor
incidents.
more
MDP News
Maldives
Referendum: 26 Cases of Fraud Reported in Just 2
hours
26 Cases of fraud have been reported to the
Elections Commissioner and the 11 member
Constitutional Assembly Committee by voters
reporting to the Maldivian Democratic Party.
Complaints involve cases of Island Chiefs who
the regulation forbids to attend polling
stations being on the scene and influencing
voters, indelible ink marks being easy to rub
off, Police intimidation and duplication. Almost
all complaints are against government officials
who support a Presidential system while
the main opposition supports a Parliamentary
system. Source:
MDP
Large crowd rallied across Addu
Atoll on Friday in support of Parliamentary System. This was the showdown of one
of the largest campaigns in Maldives' history.
photos album
Barulamaanee
Campaign Photos
Last
day of campaigning in Thinadhoo
Huvadhoo Atoll has campaigned
hard for 'Barulamaanee system'. It came to a close with a rally in Thinadhoo on
Friday and campaigners are confident of victory in today's referendum.
photos album
Reporting network
for relatives of
persons detained
launched following
the demonstration of
12 and 13 of August
2004 in Male,
Maldives
Friday 17 August
2007
Editorial
Who
do you want, a democratic leader or a dictator?
I believe that we are faced with a very easy
choice tomorrow. It's not only easy; it is quite straightforward. It is the
choice between the words of a murderous dictator and that of democrats. Just ask
yourself the question, "Who do you want to run your affairs, a democratic leader
or a dictator?" and then decide. Let me rephrase it. Do you want to remain under
an oppressive ruler, deprived of basic human rights and social justice or
liberate yourself and become a responsible citizen?
more
Times UK Wind
of change stirs in Maldives as President's iron grip weakens
Mention the Maldives and what springs to most people’s minds is a vision of
tropical paradise - palm-fringed beaches, luxury hotels full of smiling staff,
and some of the best scuba diving in the world. What is less well known is that
this popular honeymoon destination is ruled by one of the most repressive
regimes in Asia and is headed by the continent's
longest-serving leader - Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.
more
Local News Shaheed
will quit unless Chief Torturer Adam Zahir is
dismissed
Male' - On Thursday, there were lots of rumours in
Male' that Foreign Minister Dr. Shaheed had quit the government, as had been
predicted after his collegues Dr. Hassan Saeed (former Attorney General) and
Mohamed Jameel (Former Justice Minister) resigned earlier this month. According
to our sources in Male', Dr. Shaheed did hand in his resignation to the Maldives
Dictator on Thursday but Golhaabo begged him to stay on until Sunday. This is
supposedly to minimise damage in tomorrow's
referendum. Sources closed to Shaheed told DO that he
will not serve in Dictator Gayyoom's government unless
hardliners are removed and on top of the list is Chief Torturer Adam Zahir. It
now appears that Golhaabo has agreed to Shaheed's
terms but it is hard to believe that he can depose off his most trusted ally,
the Chief Torturer. Golhaabo might very well be taking Shaheed for a ride!
Zee News Maldives'
referendum an acid test for Gayoom
Male, Aug 16: The Maldives is set for a referendum Saturday on its political
future, but diplomats and officials say the vote may also turn out to be an acid
test for Asia's longest-serving ruler. More than 150,000 Maldivians are eligible
to vote to decide how they would like to be governed in the future. They must
choose between a Presidential system or a Westminster-type Parliamentary
democracy. 'President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has ruled the Maldives, South Asia's
most expensive holiday destination, with an iron fist since coming to power in
1978.
more
Barulamaanee Campaign
Barulamaanee
Campaign Walk in Feydhoo
On Wednesday thousands of Barulamaanee campaign supporters took part is a
massive walk in Addu Atoll Feydhoo as part of their last minute activities. Addu
is expected to produce the largest percentage vote in favour of 'Parliamentary
System' in Saturday's referendum, organisers say.
photo album
Barulamaanee Campaign
Barulamaanee
Campaign Walk in Hithadhoo
On Wednesday thousands of Barulamaanee campaign supporters took part is a
massive walk in Addu Atoll Hithadhoo as part of their last minute activities.
Addu is expected to produce the largest percentage vote in favour of
'Parliamentary System' in Saturday's referendum, organisers say.
more
Barulamaanee Campaign
Barulamaanee
Campaign in Huvadhoo Atoll
The campaign is going very well in Huvadhoo Atoll according to sources there.
Organisers say that they expect to obtain a considerable victory for the
Barulamaanee 'Parliamentary System' from the Atoll. Thinadhoo, Fares, Maathodaa,
Madaveli, Rathafandhoo, Nadella, Gadhoo, Vaadhoo, Hoadedhdhoo, Gemanafushi,
Fiyori, Kolamaafushi, Dhevvadhoo are amongst some of the islands in the Atoll
which will yield very good results in Saturday's referendum, says organisers of
the campaign.
photo album
Local News Mercury
Light Hotel vandalised by regime thugs :
Maldives Dictator resorts to violence to disrupt
Saturday's referendum
Male' - In the early hours of this morning, a
popular hangout for reformists, Mercury Light
hotel in Male' was vandalised by a group of
thugs sponsored by the Dictator Gayoom's regime.
Eyewitness confirmed that they came initially
just after 1 am and was allegedly looking for a
certain individual who supported 'Barulamaanee
(Parliamentary)' campaign. "Where is that 'Barulamaanee'
bastard!" they yelled, said the eyewitness.
Minutes later, more of them arrived at the place
and began smashing the windows and removing
campaign posters and banners. Police was around
the corner at the time but they ignored the
incident, a clear sign that this was a
pre-planned attack. According to sources within
'Golhaabo's party, many more such attacks will
occur in the coming 48 hours in an attempt to
disrupt the referendum on Saturday, which the
reformists are forecasting to win by a
landslide. The thugs reportedly said that they
will vandalise other similar hangouts in Male'
used by campaigners of the 'Parliamentary
System'. An MDP official said that, whilst the
matter is of law and order, this was expected
because it is the only means at the hands of the
aging dictator now. Earlier this month, police
illegally removed 'parliamentary campaign'
posters and banners from the premises.
MDP
condemns the derogatory remarks by
appointed MP Imad Solih against the
Indian Parliament
The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) condemns the
derogatory remarks directed at the Indian Parliament and its members made at the
meeting held on 12 August 2007 by the Political Party headed by President
Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. The remarks made by a non-elected member appointed by
President Gayoom to the Maldivian Parliament and a council member of the
President's Political Party followed by a member of the President's cabinet have
caused immeasurable damage to the historic and brotherly relations which exist
between the people of India and the Maldives.
more
Press Release
MDP
Parliamentary Group strongly condemns remarks
made by an appointed MP
The Parliamentary Group of Maldivian Democratic
Party (MDP) strongly condemns the defamatory and derogatory remarks on Indian
Parliamentarians made by Mr. Imad Solih, a representative of the President of
Maldives at the Peoples Majlis and a member of Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP)
headed by Mr. Maumoon Abdul Gayoom at the DRP's 23rd general meeting held on
12th August 2007.
more
Minivan News Fasy
Pulls Out Of Presidential Concert
Maldivian rock performer Fasy has pulled out of a concert to promote the
presidential system of government "under public and family pressure," he
confirmed to Minivan News. The concert, to be held at the Alimas Carnival in
Male' tonight (Wednesday), has been been organised by the government and
promoted around Male' as a "Riyassee" (presidential) concert.
more
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The
Dream
By the strength of our
common endeavour, to achieve what we cannot do alone, to grant each of
us the power to realize our full potential, and the means to create for
this and future generations a community in which power, wealth and
opportunity are in the hands of the many not the few, where the respect
we receive reflect the duties we owe, so that freed from the tyranny of
poverty, ignorance and fear, we could live together in spirit of
solidarity tolerance and respect.
[Clause 4 - Labour
Party - UK]
Quotes
"Verily never will God change
the condition of a people until they change it themselves."
Holy Qur'an 13:11
The only thing necessary for evil to flourish is for good
men to do nothing. - Edmund Burke
Anyone who has the power to make you believe absurdities has the
power to make you commit atrocities. - Voltaire
The past
half-century provides ample proof that democracy is more
than just another form of government; it is also a
powerful generator of international security,
prosperity, and peace. — Madeleine K. Albright, NDI
Chairman
Maldives
Referendum: 26 Cases of Fraud Reported in Just 2
hours
26 Cases of fraud have been reported to the
Elections Commissioner and the 11 member
Constitutional Assembly Committee by voters
reporting to the Maldivian Democratic Party.
Complaints involve cases of Island Chiefs who
the regulation forbids to attend polling
stations being on the scene and influencing
voters, indelible ink marks being easy to rub
off, Police intimidation and duplication. Almost
all complaints are against government officials
who support a Presidential system while the
main opposition supports a Parliamentary system.
Source:
MDP
Channel 4
Special TV Report Crackdown
in the Maldives
The authorities in the Maldives have been cracking down
on political dissent. The Maldives have become a holiday destination for the
well heeled. But away from the eyes of tourists, the government there has been
cracking down on political dissent. Watch the report
watch the report on Channel 4 site
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Freedom of expression : Constitution of the Maldives - Chapter II -
Clause 25. Every citizen shall have the freedom to express his conscience and
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Dhivehi Observer
Maldives
strongman wants to rule on into fourth decade
Attacks
against expatriates almost a daily occurrence
MDP
members arrested after tension near Parliament House
Commentary: China
challenges the U.S. in the Indian Ocean
WawjWrum urwbwK
Rigging
the referendum is a blessing in disguise
Ahmed
Moosa on Historic Referendum In Maldives
Kutti
Nasheed to be declared Holy Roman Emperor
Bomb
attacks raise new Indian fears
WawjWrum
urwbwK
Man
who help rig the referendum by posting 200 ballot papers get promoted
Human
Rights Commission of Maldives accused of perjury
Police
assault crowd protesting Referendum fraud, arrest MDP Chairperson Mohamed
Nasheed
From
H&K to H&J - New Strategy for New Maldives
Child
abuse is a major problem in our society
Dhaka
seeks security of workers in Maldives 
chWx cnWx
ޚަބަރު
މުރާޖައާ
Deputy
Police Commissioner leaves the country
Luxury
Tour Operator Maldives Direct Partners with SendUsPacking.com
Fish
collector vessel on fire in Laamu Atoll
Shahid
And Muiz Replace New Maldives In Cabinet
Addu
mocks referendum re-vote
Maldives
dictator versus the free media
Maldivian
Foreign Minister resigns, cites argument with
Parliament
Protest
outside Dharubaaruge over referendum results
An
election official casts 200 votes on his own
Maldives
votes in poll seen as President litmus test
Reethi
Rah heavily in favour of Parliamentary System
Dictator's
vote rigging scams exposed
Final
Barulamaanee rally in Addu on Friday
Last
day of campaigning in Thinadhoo
(cSwCcawm cnurwhwa 18)WmWnutwsurwk
egumIawz
Who
do you want, a democratic leader or a dictator?
Wind
of change stirs in Maldives as President's iron grip weakens
Shaheed
will 
Maldives'
referendum an acid test for Gayoom 
Barulamaanee
Campaign Walk in Feydhoo
Barulamaanee
Campaign Walk in Hithadhoo
Barulamaanee
Campaign in Huvadhoo Atoll
Mercury
Light Hotel vandalised by regime thugs :
Maldives Dictator resorts to violence to disrupt
Saturday's referendum
MDP
Parliamentary Group strongly condemns remarks
made by an appointed MP
Fasy
Pulls Out Of Presidential Concert
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egumWl
