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A new breed of politicians needed in the Maldives

A.S.I.Moosa (Sappe')

Dhivehi Observer
Editor-in-chief

Editorial - 27th October 2004

We must work together to remove the incompetent and irresponsible majlis members who now occupy the legislative council. The international attention on Maldives at this crucial time, with the possibility of having election observers from the Commonwealth and possibly European Union on the ground in Maldives, with the possibility of having international media in the country during the elections, Gayyoom is hampered in his efforts to rig the votes and arrest his opponents. There has never been a better opportunity to stand for the Maldives parliament than this.

Historically, the power of Maldives has been centred around the elite of Male', the capital of Maldives. Even today it is still the case. This results in dictators being allowed to stay in power for as long as they can or want to remain. In recent history, Ibrahim Nasir was unchallenged until he decided to step down in 1978 and we have had Maumoon Gayyoom ever since.

The current constitution of the Maldives gives enormous powers to the legislative council to ensure that the country is run democratically. However, because of the lack of understanding of their responsibilities as representatives of the people, or sheer greed perhaps, the country has fallen into such a state where the removal of many of the present majlis members is the only peaceful way to ensure that Gayyoom is forced from office.

There is no doubt about the intentions of Gayyoom. He has ignored his own public promises and shut down all avenues of debate on political reform in Maldives. The purpose of a debate is to discuss matters and attempt to arrive at a conclusive decision. In the reform debates held in Male' during the month of June, it was very clear what people wanted. They wanted a free and fair society, a transparent government and a pluralistic democracy for the country.

After only six debates, Gayyoom clamped down on reformists and banned them from public gatherings. He then discussed the possibility of locking up key reformists. DO reported on 30 July 2004 that Gayyoom intended to proclaim a state of emergency and arrest leading reformists. In the following week, DO also reported that Gayyoom was contemplating mass arrests. These reports were the result of assessments from political analysts in Maldives who know how Gayyoom thinks and behaves.

Black Friday, 13 August 2004, sealed the fate of many reformists. A state of emergency was declared in contradiction of Clause 133 of the constitution. It was an act of treason which can be proven in any court of law.

Today, we Maldivians are scared and pessimistic about our future. However, we must believe that all hope is not lost. We can still work hard to realise our dream of a free and fair society in our tiny nation, free from the tyranny of poverty, ignorance and fear.

Amongst us there are many able Maldivians who certainly have the interest of their nation at their heart. These people must enter into the political life of Maldives. They must try and ensure that they have a say in their own future, and not to leave their fate in the hands of a dictator who has failed them miserably at all levels.

The way forward for us is to ensure that the right people are elected to the people's majlis (and therefore the special majlis) in the upcoming general elections on 31 December 2004.

The western world will be enjoying Christmas and New year celebrations and we must be especially vigilant to protect our right to vote as we choose. We must defend that right at any cost. It can end our slavery to the will of evil rulers and allows us to pass judgment upon them.

From among us must emerge a new breed of politicians who have knowledge, capacity, enthusiasm and dynamism, and above all a clear determination to uphold the constitution of the Maldives and serve their country with integrity. We must work together to remove the incompetent and irresponsible men and women who now occupy the legislative council.

The future is bright, if there is a will there is always a way. The opposition has made great advances in less than a year, establishing close ties with powerful allies both within Maldives and overseas. We can take back our country from this criminal Gayyoom and his families and friends. It is the duty of all Maldivians to work peacefully towards that goal.

For far too long we have neglected our responsibilities and turned a blind eye to the oppression and fate of our fellow countrymen and women. Let us remove Gayyoom from power because he causes damage to our precious people and is blocking the progress of our nation.