Who do you want, a democratic leader or a dictator? :: Maldives News :: Editorial:: Dhivehi Observer

Editorial

Who do you want, a democratic leader or a dictator?

A.S.I.Moosa, Editor in Chief, Dhivehi Observer, 17 August 2007

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?

Let us destroy the system that has forced us to live at the mercy of a ruthless dictator for nearly three decades because that is the only way we can ensure to live with freedom, equality and justice.

Let us not be fooled by claims that we are entering into a new political era. The fact of the matter is that the vast majority of the Maldivian people are desperate to exit from the darkest years in our nations recorded history. We will not be able to enter into a new age until we exit from the old. So let us break away from the past and decide our own future.

Let us vote for a system that will put power back in our own hands. Tomorrow, vote for 'Parliamentary System' so that we can continuously hold politicians accountable for their actions and ensure that we all live an affluent life. Vote for 'Parliamentary System' tomorrow, so that we can join the league of democratic nations across the world.

Let us not forget the reasons why we have to say reject 'Presidential System' of government. It puts all the powers into the hands of just one person. It allows dictators to rule a nation with an iron fist without any regard for the rule of law. It allows dictators to live a lavish life at our expense whilst we struggle to make ends meet. It allows dictators to appoint family and friends to powerful posts in the government, to prolong their reign by controlling all the institutions of the state. It allows dictators to undermine the constitution and use the religion of Islam as a tool to spread false propaganda.

So, as I said before, the choice before us tomorrow is very clear. Do we want another dictatorship in the Maldives or are we prepared to embrace a modern democracy that will ensure that all Maldivians benefit equally from the great potentials of our small nation.

At a time like this, I just can't help but quote clause 4 of the British Labour Party. "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."

Let your voice be heard tomorrow and take the first step to wipe out injustice and corruption from our nation forever.

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