Gayyoom's rhetoric on democratic reform linked to Europe visit :: Dhivehi Observer

Editorial
Gayyoom's rhetoric on democratic reform linked to Geneva visit

A.S.I.Moosa (Sappe'), Dhivehi Observer, 08th May 2005

Political analysts are convinced that Gayyoom's out-of-the-blue announcement to refer the issue of allowing political parties to operate in the Maldives is pure rhetoric aimed to please the European governments who have criticised his autocratic rule and appalling human rights record.

Next week Gayyoom is scheduled to to give a keynote speech at the World Health Assembly in Geneva. He was invited to give the speech last year by the Director General of World Health Organisation. The Assembly is to be held from 16-25 May 2005.

Gayyoom has not been to Europe ever since his secret dictatorship was exposed to the world in the aftermath of the September 2003 killings in Maldives prison of several inmates. However, prior to this visit to Switzerland he is clearly attempting to trick the international community by announcing that he will refer the matter of lifting the 'unconstitutional' ban of registering political parties in Maldives to the parliament. Unconstitutional because almost all legal and constitutional experts, both local and foreign, including Gayyoom's own Attorney General have said that there is no need to refer the matter for parliament for re-consideration because article 27 of the constitution explicitly states "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."

What baffles everyone is that Gayyoom thinks that the world is stupid not just his own people. He has been in power ruling the country with absolute fear and intimidation for more that 27 years and have undermined the constitution on countless accounts. Deliberate injustices have been carried out under his rule and he has been criticised heavily by Human Rights Organisations such as Amnesty International for the better part of his rule. And, most recently, he has been heavily criticised by European Union and other organisations for the crimes he had committed and continues to commit against the innocent people of Maldives, whose oppose his rule and demand democratic change and accountability.

Yes, there has been elections in the Maldives but everyone knows that it is not conducted free and fair, especially the Presidential referendum during which if anyone talks anything against Gayyoom in order to push for a NO vote, those persons will be arrested and prosecuted under the pretext of safeguarding public unity and security. As, if the unity of Maldivians and security is directly related to Gayyoom being the ruler of the country, in spite of his iron fist rule and total misuse of public funds. In a nutshell, how can a society be free and fair when an Absolute Dictator has total and absolute control over media in all its manifestation in which criticism of his rule is seen not just illegal but an act of treason against the State.

Returning to the point of pleasing the international community by announcing his agenda on the introduction of party system to Maldives politics prior to upcoming Europe visit, the most clear sign that puts weight to this argument is the statement by Gayyoom's spokesman Dr. Shaheed who said "We have felt for some time, as have our friends in the European Parliament and elsewhere in the international community, that the reform process has not been progressing quickly enough," He further added "Rather than wait for a new constitution, we hope that this interim measure can be passed quickly to allow for the formation of political parties."

Gayyoom is trying very hard to discredit the reform movement led mainly by the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) by his propaganda tactics and conspiracies. Up until last month, MDP and all other opposition groups were labelled by Gayyoom and his media as movements to introduce Christian faith in Maldives and that they were all funded by American and European Christian missionaries. However, the movements are now connected to terrorism organised in cooperation with Islamic extremists around the world. Gayyoom thinks that he can fool everyone and forgets that just as the Maldivians, the international community are fully aware of his unconvincing tactics and plots.

There have been dozens of arbitrary arrests in Maldives even in last weeks and months, especially the recent ones in Addu Atoll of even students for being critical of Gayyoom. Why doesn't Gayyoom refer the rights to freedom of expression and assembly to be enacted for consideration by the parliament as well? In fact, if he is serious why doesn't he start ruling the country by the constitution?

The only solution to the problems in Maldives is the unwillingness of Gayyoom to bring about any reforms and share his power as well as wealth of the nation with her people. For 27 years he had a free hand at stealing the wealth of the Maldives and torturing her people. His reform agenda is designed to please the outside world. If he is serious about leaving a legacy behind as he claims, he should think very seriously about resigning from his post as the Absolute Ruler. It is certain that he will no do that so an easier option for is to stop interfering with the parliament and sack his family and friends in the cabinet immediately. Maybe then the Maldivian people and the international community might be inclined to believe that Gayyoom is a man of his words.