:: Dhivehi Observer :: Peoples Press ::

People of Maldives want independence from Gayyoom

Editorial 23^rd May 2004

President Nasir signing the Declaration of Iindependence of the Maldives on 26th July 1965

Maldives gained independence from Britain on 26^th July 1965. President Nasir signed the declaration and became an eternal hero of Maldives such as Dhonbandaarain who ended the occupation by the forces of the Ali Raja of Cannanore in the 18^thCentury.

Maldives was not a colony but a protectorate of the British Empire. Maldives is a member of the United Nation and the Commonwealth.

Former President Ibrahim Nasir resigned from office in 1978 and now lives in Singapore. President Gayyoom has been ruling the Maldives ever since. He is amongst the most brutal dictators of today. His rule is autocratic and the country is run by police. Maldives has no press freedom and Gayyoom continuously undermines the constitution.

Today, in the main island of Male’, foreign dignitaries are attending the ceremonies and the public are told to stay away. National Security Service has announced that people should not come out and protest or make any noises on the street.

When can the people of Maldives be independent? When can we gain our freedom? Today is a great opportunity for us to think hard about our lives. Today is a great moment for us to recharge and claim our independence from Maumoon. This tyranny must be rejected. We deserve better. With a renewed ambition we can be free and independent.