Archive 19 - 21 January 2005
Friday - 21 January 2005

Election News Updates>>>
23:53 Island Chiefs plotting to rig votes for government candidates according to sources in Addu. Feydhoo Atoll Chief has even moved the location of one of the polling stations nearer to Hiyalees hardcore supporters house, that of Zoona, Utheemuge, Feydhoo. The Island Chief Hassan Latheef changed the location of the ballot boxes today despite complaints from reformists. Too late he said, it is all done. Mr. Latheef and his deputy Ahmed Rasheed are telling the neighbours of Utheemuge not to let any reformist even enter their houses, let alone Utheemuge near where the polling station is. People of the island are very sceptical and concerned because they are predicting things will get out of hand unless these officials let the democratic process to take its natural course and stop interfering with the election. "we have worked very hard for 2 months to make our case and we are not going to watch them steal our rights from us" said Mohmaed, a supporter of Aslam and Shareef.

23:33 Yameen has no chance of winning the Noonu Atoll seat according to reliable sources in the top brass. After his speech was made public, his ratings fell rock bottom and he has reported been crying and is suffering from depression. This is perhaps just a show to pretend that the elections are going to be fair, after all it is his brother Gayyoom the Dictator who will endorse the final list of winners.

23:30 - Addu Atoll - Hiyalee has reported given bullets of heroine (brown sugar) to his small army of paateys (drug addicts) to start intimidating people and forcing them to vote for Hiyalee. Unfortunately, one of the senior paateys was so happy he took all of it and is now admitted to the hospital with for an over doze. Ahmed Naseem (Gal Goo), Hazaarumaage, Feydhoo is currently in a stable condition.

22:30 - Addu Atoll - A complain from Addu regarding public dissatisfaction and lack of confidence on the officials in charge of the voting booths have been rejected by the island office. The complain has now been faxed to the Elections Commission.

News in brief
Aslam Supporter has been taken to India for treatment
Mr. Billoori Moosa was critically injured after he was beaten up by the drug addicts (paateys), the supporters of government candidates Hiyalee and Musthafa Rasheed. DO reported this incident earler this week. It seems that Moosa has a serious injury to his eye and will be getting treatment from Madhurai Hospital in India. All the expenses of Moosa, travel and medical has been raised by a special fund raised by supporters of Aslam.
Hiyalee reacted by saying that if STO sells eyes, he could have given one for free to Moosa. Musthafa Luthfy said that he does not have to be responsible for the actions of his supporters and added that Moosa deserved what he got. The incident happened in Hulhudhoo but the Island Chief stated that he had no inclination about this.

News in brief

Aslam Supporter windup their campaign with a 'round'

After nearly 7 weeks to tireless campaigning in Addu Atoll, Aslam's supporters went for a 'round' this evening to windup their campaign. Despite desperate and illicit operations by Hiyalee and Mustafa to change the public opinion, it is highly unlikely that either of them will win a seat in Addu.

Aslam and Shareef, the popular reformist candidates are clearly ahead. As the day folds to an end, Hiyalee and his supporters are even devising mechanisms to rig votes and pay out bribes in the last minute to salvage their campaign. For more picture click here

 '05 ubWKitcnia
,ejcaevurutia uhwfcSwaImWnus cnuLofWLwt egWliaWa utWrwfed egunUmuawm
cSwrWkurws egunUmuawm ,EvunurizWK unUmuawm cSwkwtWsclwj eguhOfckcsWT
wmwhiruf cSwaejcaWr InEved Wsiawf egIhea Inedea cnukwtctWrwfWvIhea
Ibitim urWhim cnihevid itemwkin .eveawgumwkwmInuveneg caeaIswrckomiD
.eveaiawgudem egunWdiawm egiawmWrugwh egWliaWa utWrwfed egunUmuawm
.evekeawDcnua InWrwa cSwyem egcnemuDnwguLwa cnuhwf egImWnus cned

 '05 ubWKitcnia - csWmitclia egEpcaws
 csWmitcliaim eguDnwguLwa !evEncnihevid itevubol
cawtugcawh egcnutiycawr ihevid !eveSWvwscawauDwa
Wncsiv .eveSWvcaedcTOv urwhwfim iawkwTcawmurukuaWfid
.evekeawb wmwhwmwh IkwncnunWscnia !eveSWvcawrukurukif
Iriawk cnuhImcsIm .eveten caeawnWm egumuLuairid ItwmcnwkitevuLwa
iaWlUsua egumurukcsEb Idiawvwyik cSwncnIrwd cnegiawhwjcnWlws
.eveSWlihejcawrud iaWawdWkwdWa

Friday - 21 January 2005

Election News

Dictators do now know how to play a fair game. Gayyoom is asking for trouble according to locals who are certain that reformist candidates have the upper hand in this election.

Breaking News

Unrest in Addu Atoll Hithadhoo over location of ballot boxes

People are gathered near Muhidheen School in Addu saying that the government is trying to place the ballot boxes inside the school but they want the boxes to be out side the school, as they fear that the government will stuff the boxes with papers of their candidates if it is inside the school. They say that this was what the government did even last time. They also say that if the government does not budge to the demands of the people and perform a transparent election, first they will remove the box by force and furthermore, a mass demonstration will be staged. "Enough is enough" says the Hussain who called DO to report the situation.

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cawmuawnegIswrckomiD iaWmwkcnwvinim Ikwdwsugwm egWkiremea
cnegId cnulurWbcaea iaWaIhea cawkwtctwaWmwj iaWkwtctWrwf WviretctWkwrwh
"cnulWtcawn cawtcnwkirev irevWyinwa urWtcKumuduK cniaeyinud
cxub cjOj csIawr egWkiremea

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cmIhWrcbia csWyclia "caebIswn ivcael Q cSwncnwhwa Iaea cnuawaImWnus"

cawtulUsua iawkwtudiawvwg egumul cTOv WjWriDogWr iaWa WjWriLukOm
!cawtctog WviawfWscawjwmwh 

Time's up Dictator Gayyom! says President Bush 

"Today, America speaks anew to the peoples of the world:

• All who live in tyranny and hopelessness can know: The United States will not ignore your oppression, or excuse your oppressors. When you stand for your liberty, we will stand with you.
• Democratic reformers facing repression, prison or exile can know: America sees you for who you are -- the future leaders of your free country.
• The rulers of outlaw regimes can know that we still believe as Abraham Lincoln did: "Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves; and, under the rule of a just God, cannot long retain it."
• The leaders of governments with long habits of control need to know: To serve your people you must learn to trust them. Start on this journey of progress and justice, and America will walk at your side.
• And all the allies of the United States can know: We honour your friendship, we rely on your counsel, and we depend on your help. Division among free nations is a primary goal of freedom's enemies. The concerted effort of free nations to promote democracy is a prelude to our enemies' defeat."

click here to read the whole speech

Election News

Hamza leading the poll in Faafu Atoll despite severe smear campaigns by government goons

Faafu Atoll - Councillor Ahmed Hamza is leading the polls in Faafu Atoll according to very reliable sources. However, his own cousin, Shaveed has further enhanced his smear campaign against Hamza with the help of General Suzenov, Chief of Staff of Yameen Abdul Gayyoom's private army in the Maldives. It is reported that Gen. Suzenov even delivered a speech to the people of Faafu Atoll today in which he praised the achievements of his uncle, Dictator Gayyoom as well as his master.

However, according to sources in Faafu Atoll, Hamza is destined to win a clear majority despite Shaveed's attempt to derail the democratic process. Shaveed who is famously known for his arrogance and heroine addiction, has reported paid thousands of rufiyaa to several people of the Atoll and even distributed heroine pallets (brown sugar) to several youths of the Atoll, requesting not to vote for Hamza and to vote for candidates of his Master Yameen.

Shaveed and Hamza are cousins locked in a bitter dispute over assets of a company formed by their fathers after the untimely death of Shaveed's father. Councillor Hamza is one of the most able lawyers in the country which makes life very difficult for Shaveed and hence the whole campaign issue has become rather a personal challenge to the goon that is Shaveed.

cSokuruk urwbwK cnEpcmek .dh

Thursday - 20 January 2005

CNN World News
Bush: 'No justice without freedom'
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Bush delivered his second inaugural address Thursday after being sworn in for a second term. This is a transcript of his remarks:
Vice President Cheney, Mr. Chief Justice, President Carter, President Bush, President Clinton, members of the United States Congress, reverend clergy, distinguished guests, fellow citizens:
On this day, prescribed by law and marked by ceremony, we celebrate the durable wisdom of our Constitution and recall the deep commitments that unite our country. I am grateful for the honor of this hour, mindful of the consequential times in which we live and determined to fulfill the oath that I have sworn and you have witnessed.
At this second gathering, our duties are defined not by the words I use, but by the history we have seen together. For a half-century, America defended our own freedom by standing watch on distant borders. After the shipwreck of communism came years of relative quiet, years of repose, years of sabbatical -- and then there came a day of fire. read more

Local News - Gayyoom's Propaganda
Dec 26th Maldives Unity Day says Gayyoom
Local papers have today reported that Gayyoom has decided to make the 26th Dec as Unity Day to strengthen national spirit and commemorate those who died in Tsunami disaster last month.
This is clearly an attempt by the Dictator to win the hearts and minds of the people after he has been severely criticised for his iron fist rule, which is marred in human rights abuse, nepotism and corruption.
Gayyoom has been exposed to the wider world over the last year or so, since the killings of some innocent young inmates in his jail in September 2003.
This country can never united behind a murderous dictator, who does not allow freedom of expression, association or assembly in the Maldives in complete contrast to the constitution of the Maldives. The truth is that, most Maldivians would love to see the back of him today and are united to oust him. Unity Day in Maldives will be the day we get rid of this brutal dictator who has ruled our country for more than 27 years now.
Even today there are several political prisoners in Maldives servining long prison sentences for simply expressing their opposition to the despotic regime of Gayyoom. To unite a people it takes a human being with a heart, not a brutal murderer! click here to read more about Gayyoom's tyranny
 

Gayoom's  Brutal  Justice   Evan Naseem, 19, was beaten to death by Gayyoom's security forces on 19th Sept. 2003. Further 19 were shot the next day, 3 of whom died. After 27 years of absolute tyranny, the people of Maldives want democracy, freedom and justice! find out the truth

Blast from the Past
Maldives.. Torture in tropical paradise
People all over the world think of the Maldive Islands as being the perfect holiday paradise. Well, it is truly a remarkable piece of work by nature. Sun, sand and sea in abundance! All that a tropical holiday maker or a scuba diver can hope for!
But, the oppressive regime of Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom, who is the longest serving leader in Asia today, has been ruling Maldives by fear and intimidation, with no regard or respect for human rights and in violation of the constitution. The livelihood of the average Maldivian is simply sacrificed for the well being and stylish lifestyle of Gayyoom, his family and his associates. read more

DO Poll Results
Maldivian of the Year 2004 is Hon. Ilyas Hussain Ibrahim - Jawaahir Waadhee

In a poll conducted by DO over the last 3 weeks, the highest votes were obtained by Ilyas Hussain Ibrahim, as the Maldivian of the Year 2004 with 25184 votes (38%). Mr. Ilyas is known to all democracy activists as a man of courage and integrity and is very well known for his continuos work to bring democracy and freedom to the Maldives. We congratulate him for his success and wish him a prosperous future.

Hon. Qasim Ibrahim came a close second with 19,321 votes and Sheikh Fareed came 3rd with 11,967 votes.

Ilyas is currently a member of the Maldives Constitutional Assembly and a candidate for Ari Atoll South in the upcoming general elections.

The list of 10 persons on the poll were were suggested by DO readers, which also included, Mohamed Nasheed (Anni), Naushad Waheed, Ahmed Naseer, Ahmed Mausoom, Ibrahim Luthfy, Ahmed Moosa (Sappe'), Mohamed Latheef (Gogo).

It has been suggested by many that a separate poll should be conducted to award Maldivian Woman of the Year 2004. Therefore, please submit your candidate with a brief profile to dhivehiobserver@gmail.com

More about Ilyas Hussain Ibrahim on Dhivehi Observer

Ilyas Hussain Ibrahim; a hero for freedom of speech and political reform in Maldives

News about Maldives from around the world

Donors keep closer watch on how aid money is spent
Biloxi Sun Herald - Biloxi,MS,USA
... dollars donated by concerned Americans are at work in South Asian disaster areas, funding everything from trauma counseling on the tiny Maldives islands to the ...

Call for doctors to volunteer in Maldives
Stuff.co.nz - New Zealand
... Secretary-General Don McKinnon has today called for doctors from New Zealand and around the Commonwealth to volunteer to work in the Maldives after the ...

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Minivan News
Commonwealth Expert Team “aware of complaints” of election fraud
The Commonwealth Expert Team (CET) – currently in the Maldives to monitor the Majlis elections - have said they are “aware of many of the complaints” of breaches of elections regulations by pro-government candidates.read more
 

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cnurukcserwliv egudImwh WjWriLukOm
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 cnwrukudcnwb cnuhIm caokugIguhwt
ifcaokurumwa WjWrILukOm

cawtuLukua iaWmuvEr egWjWrwhwm - ubWKitcnia cserwliv
cnwruk cserwliv uTOv cSokcnwzwv utwlWh egunEpcnek eguLotwaudwvuh
cawtikeh egumwkenEvohun csWbcawa ! Iawyid cSwLotwaudwvuh unUmuawm
OmwnWlWdwh cSwlwgiLea cnuhIm Udwvuh Inwgcnwa csWyclia !IawnigWm
!Wycaifiawvohun ebEb egwnEa
 

cserwliv egunEPcnekIlwyih
egIlwyih csevidwa cSwncnurwTOPws egcmwlcswa
InwkcawduribIdurWzcnia cnurWkurws  

Friends of Maldives launches new website
A Press Release from Friends of Maldives yesterday announced the launch of a new website www.friendsofmaldives.org. The press release also said that FOM hope to provide their supporters with up to date information on their activities. Since the Tsunami disaster, FOM have been sending aid relief to the Maldives. The new website will reflect the work we have done and our long-term aims and objectives.  FOM website is now able to be seen in the Maldives.
FOM will continue to coordinate their relief aid through the website as we are now raising funds to provide some of the most devastated islands with desalinisation plants and other specific projects. As part of the educational project, FOM intend to help with education projects and possible twinning with schools in the Maldives. Please visit FOM Site on www.friendsofmaldives.org 

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cnurwviawruD IsckeT cnurcais urcais Ilwyih
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 cserwliv egunEPcnekUDcawa
cswb egutwhEswn eguhwf emcnea Ed cSwaIlwyih

Wednesday - 19 January 2005

 '05 ubWKitcnia - csWmitclia egEpcaws
 csWmitcliaim eguDnwguLwa !evEncnihevid itevubol
cawtugcawh egcnutiycawr ihevid !eveSWvwscawauDwa
Wncsiv .eveSWvcaedcTOv urwhwfim iawkwTcawmurukuaWfid
.evekeawb wmwhwmwh IkwncnunWscnia !eveSWvcawrukurukif
Iriawk cnuhImcsIm .eveten caeawnWm egumuLuairid ItwmcnwkitevuLwa
iaWlUsua egumurukcsEb Idiawvwyik cSwncnIrwd cnegiawhwjcnWlws
.eveSWlihejcawrud iaWawdWkwdWa

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IswrckomiDwmwhiruf cSwaejcaWrihevid cnegiLeawDnwk ,IkwncnuTEDiDnek
egcnuhImea InwvcnunEbcnuhImea ,cnUncaencnuTEDiDnek WvcnunEb cnwncneg
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.evekeawvwlcaea InWvcnwyik csevcnemcnea .eveSWncnukin

cserwliv egcaerWkWbirujwt IsWyis
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egcnuhIm wdwfim Inwncnuh unUmuawm .evencnuhImcsua ubWncnuf
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News in Brief

News from around the world
Banyan Tree and UN Development Programme in Partnership with ...
Banyan Tree has entered into a partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on a joint recovery effort in the Maldives. ...

Editorial 
GAYYOOM THINKS HE IS GOD
"A long habit of not thinking a thing wrong, gives it a superficial appearance of being right" Thomas Paine
"Gayyoom thinks he is God and we are all his servants" was the description of Gayyoom by a former cabinet member. "No, no, he really believes that and all that he does for us, big or small is out of the good of his heart, his mercy on us, not because he has to"  the minister reiterated his assertion. Many Maldivians fear Gayyoom not because they believe he is God but because they have witnessed or personally experienced ill-treatment, imprisonment and torture for opposing Gayyoom. Perhaps many believed that he is immortal but the tsunami waves upset Gayyoom hugely by bringing coconuts to the courtyard of his Grand Palace. Now, if he was God, he would not have allowed that to happen. read more

Minivan News
Yameen Must Go if Gayoom Wishes to Save the Reputation of his Regime
The President’s Office confirmed on Tuesday the arrival of “100 U.S. Marines and two navy ships to help with the relief effort in the Maldives”. They had been invited by the Maldivian government to help existing foreign relief teams already in the country.
The U.S. forces are due to arrive in the Maldives this week. Gayoom and Dr Shaheed, after some initial confusion, are also telling the international community that they need a whopping $1.3 billion of aid over the next three years. read more

Yameen “an embarrassment” to Maldivians
Thank you very much for covering and analysing the recent speech given by Maldivian trade minister Yameen Gayoom, Maumoon Gayoom's brother.
To be honest, after reading the contents of the speech, I felt ashamed at the knowledge that I belonged to a community who have let this man be a minister for so long and hold such positions of power. read more

Sheikh Fareed Disabled by Torture – Dr Shaheed Refuses to Comment
Fareed’s physical condition has deteriorated "immensely" since his imprisonment in August 2004. read more

Maldives Elections Commissioner Refusing to Acknowledge Complaints
Ibrahim Rashad is refusing to accept complaints that Yameen’s public speech should disqualify him from the Majlis elections. read more