:: Dhivehi Observer :: Peoples Press ::

Time for a Government the People can Trust

DO editorial - 22 November 2004

Gayyoom's active policy of oppression by fear and intimidation has ensured that the vast majority of Maldivians cannot contemplate a free life. People think that even their thoughts are screened by Gayyoom. The NSS operates a diabolical intelligence force, and Maldivians know their calls, emails and their movements can be traced and known to the regime whenever the order is given.

This obsession with control and punishment has undermined the bureaucracy and society of Maldives. The policy of torture in the jails and police stations has severe social consequences, and the grinding poverty and unemployment of many people combines with high-cost services and constant food shortages to create a demand for escape and comfort that drugs provide for some people.

There are many other reasons why people take drugs, and historically humans have always been drug-sodden creatures. Maldives' drug consumption has similarities to nearby Sri Lanka and coastal India, except alcohol is officially banned. Unlike the police forces in ports like Colombo, the NSS functions without legal restrictions and it controls immigration procedures as well. In this corrupt environment, drug smuggling is easy and police seizures are simply another source of supply.

According to some statistics, up to 30% of young adults in Maldives are exposed to low-grade heroin known as 'brown sugar'. Nevertheless, the awareness campaigns have increased the rate of people giving up this expensive and debilitating habit, and they are trying to become responsible people.

The upcoming People's Majlis election on 31 December in the Maldives may be a historic one, as it is expected to select moderate politicians seeking real democratic reform. It is likely the public will cast a vote of defiance after being subjected to years of oppression and theft by Gayyoom and his cronies.

With many sources of reliable information on constitutional and legal matters, culture, religion, economy and trade, Maldivians are ready to make an informed decision when they vote.

New people are emerging and entering the Maldives political sphere at a higher rate than ever before. They are expected to add an element of accountability to the majlis, which as the legislative assembly is meant to ensure good and fair governance.

Rated as the most nepotistic leader in the world today, Gayyoom is desperate to use any means at his disposal to ensure the majlis remains the same rubber stamp as it has been for most of the past 26 years. Due to increasing support for the Maldives reform movement from international bodies and governments, Gayyoom is unable to use torture indefinitely as he has in the past.

His candidates are often reviled and for good reason. They have ignored and abused people in the past, so why should anyone believe them now. Gayyoom's cronies are building multi-million dollar constructions in Male', while the islanders have to beg for a half-finished harbour. Where is the money coming from for these huge wasteful Male' buildings?

The islanders know their money has been stolen and diverted. Their frustration is not being hidden from their masters. At Gaddhoo island in southeastern Huvadhu atoll, people refused to supply a plank for the president's brother Abdullah Hameed to leave his boat. They have been promised a decent wharf for decades but still have to use planks to offload and load their vessels.

Gayyoom's regime has no integrity; it is based on greed and payoffs. As a method of government, it has left many people and islands destitute. Its use of torture and illegal detentions is unacceptable. Most Maldivians are people of integrity and honour, and the behaviour of Gayyoom and his followers has become transparently non-Islamic.

The people can vote in reformists who will oust Gayyoom. The dictator has no experience dealing with organised opposition because he has allowed none to develop during his rule.

Gayyoom may be removed from office within the next few months. His mistakes have been accumulating fast, and public discontent is at an all-time high.