:: Dhivehi Observer :: Peoples Press ::

Maldivian Democratic Party

MDP PRESS RELEASE - 20/02/2004

The regime of Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom in the Maldives is the world’s only “secret” dictatorship. Gayyoom has been in power for the last 25 years and has no intention of relinquishing power or reforming his brutal methods. Human rights groups, including the Amnesty International have frequently raised this issue of Mr. Gayyoom's methods and practices. The international media has also highlighted these concerns but to no avail.

Key characteristics of this tyranny are, rampant nepotism, suppression of any form of political opposition, complete control of media and communication, arbitrary arrests, torture and death in custody, endemic corruption and misuse of public funds, no respect for the rule of law, idolism of his self, intimidation of the parliament reducing it to a rubberstamp body, ballot rigging and total mismanagement of public services.

In 2001 an eminent group of 42 people that included members of parliament, a former cabinet minister, leading businessmen, academics, feminists and popular sports stars came together to form a political party under the name of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). However the Gayyoom regime refused to grant this fundamental right of political association, in blatant violation of the constitution.

After this refusal and the September 2003 uprising, following the torture, shooting and murder of inmates by the National Security Service, a number of people from the original 42 and many other new comers investigated other possibilities for political association as a Party. Having decided that the only viable option was to declare the Party as an entity in exile, on 10th November 2003 the Maldivian Democratic Party started its operations.

Since then MDP have made much progress. Membership has increased while it has received international recognition and financial contributions from members, supporters and sympathizers.

Soon after voting ended for the MDP Council on the 13^th February 2004, the regime conducted a brutal clampdown. Many members of the council, their families and supporters were blindfolded, handcuffed, manhandled and arrested.

The Party planned a peaceful demonstration to deliver a letter to Mr. Gayyoom on the 14^th of February 2004, to inform him of the new developments of the party. However this was pre-empted by the wave of mass arrests.

MDP will now endeavour to work with tour operators and travel agents to encourage the government of Maldives to allow political pluralism and respect human rights in the country.

In view of the desperate situation of the people of the Maldives, we believe that the international community will lend their support and assistance.

Presently two councillors of the party, Mr. Mohamed Nasheed and Mr. Ahmed Shafeeq Moosa are in the UK for the purpose of seeking support and assistance for the party from the UK government, foreign diplomats and NGO’s working in this United Kingdom.