:: Dhivehi Observer :: Peoples Press ::

David Hardingham
Founder
Friends of Maldives, UK

Mr. Hardingham is currently doing research in to the allegations of human rights abuses and investigating the impact of Tourism on the Maldives. He is due to submit his findings in a special conference to be organised in London. We believe he is now in Addu Atoll after visiting Male' on his researches.

Mr. Hardingham studied with Maldivians in Wiltshire, UK.

All Party Parliamentary Group on the Maldives and the meeting of Mr Hussain Shihab

David Hardingham, Friends of Maldives, UK, 19th June 2004

It was interesting to see that Mr Shihab told the assembled member of the Parliamentary Group on the Maldives that Associations are prohibited under the existing constitution of the Maldives.

From the existing constitution:

Article 27

Persons shall be free to form societies and associations, unless prohibited by law in the interest of the protection of sovereignty of the Maldives and the maintenance of public order.

Article 31

(1) Where any law, regulation or any principle having the force of law is inconsistent with the fundamental rights stipulated in this Chapter, such law, regulation or principle shall, to the extent of such inconsistency, be void.

(2) The fundamental rights stipulated in this Chapter shall not, temporarily or otherwise, be denied save in accordance with this Constitution

It was also interesting to note that Mr Shihab stated that Parliament had rejected the proposals to introduce political parties on the grounds that it would divide the country.

Mr Gayoom had shrewdly stated that Multi- party politics are not consistent with the norms of a homogenous society like the Maldives and led people into thinking that such political associations would incite discord in religious and Islamic Affairs. With the help of his dependable Majlis the banning of political parties was predictable and the democratic aspirations of many Maldivians were shattered.

Salisbury MP, The Rt. Hon. Robert Key, brought to the attention of Mr Shihab the Maldivians living here in the UK who are in fear of returning to the Maldives. Mr Shihab assured the All Party Parliamentary Group on Maldives that this was not going to happen. Mr Shihab went as far as to say that no members of the MDP in the UK were under suspicion for crimes. The way the regime has incarcerated numerous individuals who have committed no crime over the years on charges bearing no relation to reality brings our Maldivian friends little relief. They are a little safer now that the International Community is taking an interest in the Maldives. However it would be a brave regime that risked upsetting the international community by incarcerating the now very well known dissidents.

The Rt. Hon. Robert key also made a suggestion of inviting the commonwealth election observers for the elections in September. Mr Shihab said he would consider this. The geographical layout of the Maldives is always going to make this difficult to be effective. However all initiatives aimed at ensuring free and fair elections should be welcomed.

The proposed democratic reforms and liberalisation by Mr Gayyoom released officially in his speech at the Islamic Centre on the 10^th of June 2004 was the direct result of pressure generated by the dissidents abroad and the International Community.

The new constitution, however wonderful, would be of little use to the people of the Maldives if Gayyoom and the coercive forces backing him are not prepared to honour such a constitution. It is with deep concern that Mr Gayyoom will make cosmetic changes and try harder to hide the strings he attaches to any transformation he initiates.

Despite the revelation on the package of reforms he neglected to mention certain serious unresolved issues. What to do with the institution known as the NSS who have lost all honour and credibility with the people of the Maldives and who continue to maintain brutal power and fear over them? Where is the Bill of Rights? And where is the legitimising of freedom of expression?

The pressure on the Regime in the Maldives has been brought to bear significantly in the last 6 months reflecting the desire of Maldivians for change. Changes that allow the Maldivians to live without fear and changes that allow them the choice to evolve their own future. These changes need to happen fast enough to meet the expectations of the people who are becoming increasingly impatient. For Mr Gayyooms sake these changes should be made soon to enable him the chance to depart from power with some sort of dignity. Maldivians are not always forgiving with their dictators.

The All Party Parliamentary Group on the Maldives continued efforts for the Maldivians and their political, economic and democratic development will sustain the much needed pressure on the regime of Mr Gayyoom. A representation from the UK parliament is planning a visit to the Maldives in October 2004 for monitoring and discussions in the Maldives.

www.friendsofmaldives.co.uk