Free and Fair Elections Impossible in Maldives with Gayyoom in Power

Opinion
What Constitutes a FREE and FAIR Election?

January 18, 2005

A “FREE” electoral process is one where fundamental human rights freedoms are respected, including:

1. freedom of speech and expression by electors, parties, candidates and the media.

2. freedom of association, that is, freedom to form organizations such as political parties and NGOs.

3. freedom of assembly, to hold political rallies and to campaign.

4. freedom of access to and by elector to transmit and receive political and electoral information massages.

5. freedom to register as an elector, a party or a candidate.

6. freedom from violence, intimidation or coercion.

7. freedom of access to the polls by electors, party agents and accredited observers.

8. freedom to exercise the franchise in secret, and

9. freedom to question, challenge and register complaints or objections without negative repercussions.

A “ FAIR” electoral process is one where the “ playing field” is reasonably level and accessible to all electors, parties and candidates, and include:

1. an independent, non – partisan electoral organization to administer the process.

2. guaranteed rights and protection through the constitution and electoral legislation and regulation.

3. equitable representation of electors provided through the legislation.

4. equitable and balanced reporting by the media.

5. equitable access to financial and material resources for party and candidate campaigning.

6. equitable opportunities for the electorate to receive political and voter information.

7. accessible polling places.

8. equitable officials, the government, the police, the military and the judiciary.

9. an open and transparent ballot counting process, and

10. election process not disruption by violence, intimidations or coercion.

Considering the above mentioned rules of laws and principles, it is unlikely that the up coming election in Maldives on 22 January will be free and fair.

There is a high probability that officials will attempt to manipulate upcoming elections in the Maldives. The absences of an opposition party and a free and fair democratic processes could spark off, political, social and religious conflicts in the Maldives, because the authorities does not abide by the law.

The world has come this far that international public opinion doest not legitimize any government unless it has come to power through legitimate democratic processes. The yearning of the people of the Maldives to control their lives or to become decision makers of their respective constituency has never been more important. Yet Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and his government leaves aside the opposition members and reformists from contributing to the democratic process.

By standards of modern politics, all members of the polity have the right to elect and be elected. But the reason people still feel disempowered is because of the inadequacies of legislations.

An election is considered fair if all members of the polity can exercise their right to be elected on a level playing field. Under the current condition the opposition and reformist members are under house arrest, jailed and harassed by the government of Maumoon Abdul Gaymoon.

Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and his family members favoured by the wealthy or big business with enormous funds, are being used to influence voter opinion through the control of Atoll Chiefs and Island Chiefs, complete control of local media. Government candidates can abuse the law and bend rules as they wish, they can use government funds and logistics to get elected. And, if they are a member of Gayyoom's family, they can even kill someone who opposes them and nothing can be done about it.

The need to transcend the limitations of free and fair electoral process is thus more urgent than ever to empower the people. In order for the electorate to actually participate in their governance, a new electoral process must be created that can enable any member of the polity to affirm the right to elect and be elected without the restrictions of The Dictator Maumoon Abdul Gaymoon’s.

LET’S UNITE. TO EMPOWER PEOPLE AND ESTABLISH DEMOCRACY IN MALDIVES ON BEHALF OF THOSE DEPRIVED OF ANY SPIRITUAL SOCIAL AND POLITICAL BENEFITS!