Let's not take our eyes off the ball :: Maldives News :: Dhivehi Observer

Editorial

Let's not take our eyes off the ball

by Editor in Chief, Ahmed Moosa (Sappe'), 9 March 2006

Gayyoom is trying his very best to stay ahead of us. He is sending his corrupt diplomats abroad to try and convince the international community that he will implement political reform as per his 'sweeping reform' rhetoric. He is promising changes to the constitution but from behind the scene he is ensuring that the parliament, which is still under his direct control, reject these changes.

When Gayyoom spoke on 9th June 2004, he was talking about amendments to the constitution; Separation of powers, limited presidential terms, removal of unelected (appointed MPs) and proportional representation, amongst others. However, now he is talking about a whole new constitution, apparently being drafted by the Commonwealth. The whole purpose electing a special majlis (constitutional assembly) was initially to make certain specific amendments to the constitution, such as the key ones highlighted above. But as most people expected, nothing is really happening on the ground and it is now nearly two years. So, what on earth is going on?

What Gayyoom is trying to do is to discourage the public from participating in the political process. He tries to do this by marginalising the opposition and demonstrating that they are in the way of progress when in reality it is quite the opposite.

Gayyoom holds on to power with the help of corrupt individuals, who have benefited immensely from the state. Gayyoom knows that as long as these individuals are there, his power base will remain intact unless a mass public movement emerges that can challenge the system in numbers. The problem now is that everyone, apart from his cronies of course, want him to go and that is the single measure of the success of this campaign to democratise Maldives and uphold the rule of law and protect human rights. However, one must also accept the fact that with these corrupt individuals hell bent on protecting the wealth and power they amassed during the past 27 years, they are going to try everything to protect Gayyoom as their own fate depends on that. The delays and mishaps in achieving the final objective of removing or ousting Gayyoom are mainly because of this issue.

As a people, we must reflect on all this and we must not take our eyes off the ball that will give Gayyoom more breathing space. The main opposition party, Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) is doing a great deal to accelerate the process but internal issues and differences in opinion couple with lack of resources, both financial and human, is somewhat slowing down the process. Unlike Gayyoom, consensus is needed within MDP now to carry out any activity. Internal democracy must be seen to work so people can have the confidence in the party to emulate that when they are in government. However, unless one thinks long and hard about these issues, one might get frustrated and give up hope. What we must all know is that destroying a 27-year old dictatorship is not an easy task; it requires a clear vision, courage, determination and a lot of patience.

Public today are quite aware of what is going on in our country. We must stick together and not take our eyes off the ball and let us not give this murderous dictator any breathing space. We must all be united if we are to achieve our objective sooner. We can be sure of one thing, fall of Gayyoom is imminent, as it's just a matter of time.