:: Dhivehi Observer :: Peoples Press ::

Ahmed Moosa (Sappe')
DO Chief Editor

Elections in Maldives can never be 'free and fair' while Gayyoom is in power

A.S.I.Moosa (Sappe'), Editorial, 15th Nov. 2004,

The outside world is oblivious of the fact that the methods Gayyoom uses to run elections in Maldives are designed to eliminate and weaken opposition figures before they can declare their candidacy.

While the process is called an 'election', it is really a process of 'selection'.

People who wish to become members of parliament (majlis) have to submit their application form along with all the material they will be using in their campaign. This includes the fine details such as campaign slogans, logos, leaflets, designs of t-shirts, hats, badges and even the introduction letter to constituents.

If the Election Commissioner who is appointed by the President, finds any candidate critical of the government, the application can be rejected without explanation. Maldives is such a small place that any anti-Gayyoom candidates are known, and their applications are vetted thoroughly for anti-Gayyoom material, and Gayyoom can always lock them up at will.

This screening and censoring process is designed to ensure that the public is kept in the dark, and people want to represent them are banned from talking about the real issues in the country.

The depressing thing is that although it is illegal to even express an intention to run for parliament before their candidacy has been accepted and announced, government ministers and supporters can openly begin their campaign, months in advance. These campaigners use public funds and assets to conduct their illegal activities.

Under these circumstances, in such a hostile and intimidating atmosphere, even if angels came to monitor and supervise the Maldives elections, it could not be termed 'free and fair'.

As for the upcoming parliamentary elections, the deception is even greater because Gayyoom has unlawfully blocked more than 15 potential candidates who he knew had more popular support than him and his cronies. Among these are the existing members of the parliament, Ibrahim Hussain Zaki and Dr. Munavvar as well as Members of the Constitutional Assembly, Qasim Ibrahim, Dr. Hussain Rasheed, Ali Faiz, Mohamed Naseem, Ibrahim Ismail, Ahmed Shafeeq and Ilyas Hussain Ibrahim, just to mention a few.

These people are being defamed in broad daylight and are being unlawfully detained in jail or are kept under house arrest, all without trial. They have all been jailed, tortured and threatened, and told that they must not come in the way of Gayyoom's autocratic rule.

Despite these threats, these honourable members are trying to find a way to mount a challenge. What is even more mind-boggling is that Gayyoom's security forces can summon anyone at anytime and question them about their intention to participate in the upcoming elections. As well, they go around the islands threatening the public of the consequences of voting for reformists.

The best way to get elected in the upcoming election is to explain to the public that they need to remove the dictator in order to rid the country of rampant nepotism, corruption and injustice. But such a campaign would mean certain arrest and torture. So, how can this election be free and fair?

The sad reality is that Maldives cannot and will not flourish under this illegitimate rule. The country has been illegally hijacked by Gayyoom and his cronies since 1978. Gayyoom and his cronies bribed MPs in 1978 to get the presidential nomination and even carried firearms while taking the oath of office. Since then, Gayyoom has surrounded himself with powerful people and allowed them to get away with rape, paedophilia, murder and corruption to ensure that he remains in power. These are not just allegations, these are facts.

What the country really needs is a fresh start to flush-out the corrupt government starting with Gayyoom himself. This is the only way democracy and rule of law will emerge in the Maldivesand bring greater happiness and prosperity to the country.

If the international community really wants to help the people of Maldives, they must pressure Gayyoom into playing by the book and to respect and uphold the constitution of the country. Sending a few election observers will simply be a way of endorsing the dictatorship. With more than 200 islands balloting on the same day, a handful of Commonwealth or European Union observers will only serve as a 'rubber stamp' for Gayyoom to legitimise his autocratic and brutal rule.

Expressing 'concern' by the international organisations and friendly governments is really not enough. Far from it, it seals the fate of the great majority of Maldivians who are deprived of their liberty and freedom. Everywhere you hear the noble word 'democracy, freedom and liberty' and how the great democratic leaders of today will defend democracy around the world because it is in the interest of their own national security and greater world peace. If only these leaders would act on their rhetoric, my fellow countrymen will not be suffering today. Diplomatic pressure alone can bring about irreversible change to our little nation, there will not be a need to deploy any troops, no lives will be lost.

Maldivians are not fundamentalists nor terrorists but a people crying out for their freedom, liberty and justice.

Some of the most prominent reformists are still under arrest or in solitary confinement. Listed below are Members of the Parliament or the Special Majlis (Constitutional Assembly) who are hailed as heroes of freedom and democracy in Maldives. However, Gayyoom's plan to defame them and stop them from being obstacles to his tyrannical rule has been largely ignored by the international community and many major media outlets. It was largely believed that these and other reformists were going to win a majority in the Parliamentary elections this year, which would have made life difficult for the regime. Out of the 42 elected seats in the legislative assembly, reformists were tipped to win more than 35 seats, which almost certainly would have meant that Gayyoom's days in power will be numbered because a large enough majority can oust him from power by a vote of no confidence.

By conducting his operations in this unjust and cruel manner, Gayyoom has created enemies who will stop at nothing in their endeavour to bring democracy and freedom to the country. It is just a matter of time.

Qasim Ibrahim, Member of Constitutional Assembly, under house arrest now after 68 days in solitary confinement. Qasim is believed to be the richest man in the Maldives, employing more than 15,000 people. He owns and operates 5 of the best resorts in the Maldives and is a much loved philanthropist. Qasim was tipped to win the South Ari Atoll seat.

Dr. Mohamed Munavvaru, Member of Legislative and Constitutional Assemblies, Addu Atoll, under house arrest now after 68 days in solitary confinement. Dr. Munavvaru served as Attorney General for 10 years but was left outside the cabinet in this term due to his continuous disagreement with the ruling elite. It is believed that Gayyoom fears Dr. Munavvaru to challenge for the Presidency.

Ibrahim Hussain Zaki, Member of Legislative and Constitutional Assemblies, under house arrest now after 68 days in solitary confinement. A former Secretary of South Asian Associating of Regional Cooperation, SAARC, and former cabinet Minister, Mr. Zaki is was left out of the cabinet for his reformist agenda. It is believed that India wants him to be the next President of Maldives.

Ibrahim Ismail, (Ibra), Member of Constitutional Assembly, Male', under house arrest after 68 days of solitary confinement. Ibra is a much loved reformist for his undeterred commitment to the cause of democracy and freedom. He has reported submitted his application to run in the upcoming elections. He is a teacher and is expected to win the Male' seat if not disqualified.

Ahmed Adhil, Member of Constitutional Assembly, Haa Dhaal Atoll, arrested on 27th August, 58 days of solitary confinement. Mr. Adhil is one of the most active and energetic young blood to appear on the political spectrum in recent months. He has been charged for participating in the Black Friday demonstration. If allowed to contest, he was certain to secure a seat in the parliament.

Ilyas Hussain, Member of Constitutional Assembly, Ari Atoll, transferred to house arrest on 9 November 2004 after 87 days in solitary confinement. Mr. Ilyas is a true freedom hero of the Maldives. He has always been upfront in his work to promote democracy and freedom in the Maldives. It is widely believed that his was a guaranteed seat in the upcoming election.

Dr. Hussain Rasheed, Member of Constitutional Assembly, Thaa Atoll, under house arrest now after after 81 days in solitary confinement. Another young politician who has been labelled as brave solder for filing treason case against Gayyoom's brother Hameed. He has substantial support in his own Atoll, Thaa.

Ali Faiz, Member of Constitutional Assembly, Baa Atoll member, 58 days in solitary confinement without charge. Faiz is a pro-democracy advocate and a strong supporter of freedom and human rights. He was tipped to secure the Baa Atoll seat in the upcoming election but has received threats from the elite ruling family, who are his relatives. He is a nephew of Madam Nasreena, Ilyas and Abbas Ibrahim.

Mohamed Naseem, Member of Constitutional Assembly, Laamu Atoll, arrested 28th August, 56 in solitary confinement without charge. A familiar face in the Maldives, Mr. Naseem was tipped to win the Laamu Atoll seat in the parliament. His associates say that he has received instructions from the top not to run in this years election unless he wants to go to jail.

Ahmed Shafeeq, Member of Constitutional Assembly, Meemu Atoll, arrested 28th August, 91 days of solitary confinement without charge and continuing. Mr. Shafeeq has been a very active member of the reform movement and was also guaranteed to secure a seat in the parliament. He is a member of the Constitutional Assembly.

Ahmed Athif, Member of Constitutional Assembly, Male' member, arrested 28th August, 50 days in solitary confinement without charge. Athif works in the health sector and demands respect for his intelligence and commitment for democracy and freedom. He has been in parliament before and currently serves as Special Majlis member for Male'.