Do the Right Thing; Give a Chance for a Secret Ballot

Shan Shah
Do the Right Thing; Give a Chance for a Secret Ballot

7 February 2005

Article 133 says that it should be a secret ballot. Although article 97 does not specify that it should be a secret ballot, or show of hands most credible legal opinion in the country is that it should be a secret ballot. Even those who think that it could be either way, also confide that they prefer a secret ballot. Several of Gayoom’s members in the Majlis, specially new appointees, say that they also believe a secret ballot is the best option. They are afraid to vote in any other way for harassment from within the Government. Any decent person would believe that a secret ballot would remove any form of influence from anybody so that the members can vote for the person they want. This would be the most fair and free form of electing a Chair. Last July, Gayoom asked his ministers and members to vote for a show of hands so that he can keep Gasim away from the Chair. He wanted to appoint someone like brother-in-law Abbas whom he can control. This time Gasim has declined due to suffering inflicted on him in jail, so Gayoom should not feel threatened that anybody else other than his brother Abbas would become the Chair. Is it that Gayoom is afraid the Mavota Shareef, or Ibra, or Aslam may become the Chair if he allows a secret ballot. He will also not trust all his Ministers and members and friends who may vote for a reformist candidate. Now it has become even more difficult for the master. His fondest brother Yameen got his name nominated for the Chair. Yameen did not decline while Gasim did. The nomination may have come across with a bit of sarcasm but Yameen has been telling his associates that he is the best person for the task. Gayyoom is in a catch 22 situation. If he allows a secret ballot, then the previous argument by reformists last July holds and if he reject that and goes on his traditional route, show of hand, several reformists will walk out in protest. Eitherway, Gayyoom will loose this time. Parliament members however must do the right thing and argue the case for a secret ballot so the members can vote without fear or intimidation.

Let democracy prevail in our Majlis.