Can we trust Gayyoom of Maldives to reform the country?

Editorial
How can we trust the person who undermines the constitution of the Maldives to amend it and reform the country?

by A.S.I.Moosa (Sappe') - 24th February 2005

It does not take a genius to conclude that Gayyoom does not have what it takes to amend the constitution of Maldives and bring about democratic reform to our small nation. Here are some very simple reasons to verify this statement.

The problem in Maldives is not that the current constitution is evasive or lacks democratic principles. The problem is that Gayyoom has had no regard for the rule of law and has ruled the country as a private limited company. Paradoxically, he announced ‘sweeping reforms’ on 9^th June 2004, after mounting pressure from the people of Maldives and the international community and not because he wants to reform the country but because it is the only way he can hold on to power, for the time being at least.

The point most political analysts are making today is that, why on earth would the people of Maldives trust this absolute dictator to reform their country when he has undermined the existing constitution time and time again. There are fundamental breaches of the constitution that requires no debate. Maldives Constitution (amended in 17 years by Gayyoom and adopted in 1997) very clearly states that freedom of expression, assembly and association are fundamental rights that must not be revoked. Yet, Gayyoom has never respected these rights and flouts the laws to remain in power and to abuse the people. Media is completely controlled by his government, TV and Radio are owned by the state and fully run by the government, political association is banned unlawfully by his rubber-stamp parliament (a constitutional right cannot be revoked by the Peoples’ Majlis but by a constitutional amendment which can be brought about by a Peoples’ Special Majlis). Gayyoom also bans people from gathering to discuss social and political issues and all forms of assembly are seen by him as a threat to national security and hence quashed mercilessly. It is a threat to his rule in effect as more people get to know and discuss his dictatorship in such forums which is why he cannot allow them.

Gayyoom should really reflect on the last few months. On 9^th June 2004 speech, he personally told people to discuss politics and constitutional reform, he then allowed reform debates to take place in Male’, the capital only. However, after just a few meetings, it was banned. This is the level of his ability to allow freedom of expression and assembly. And yet, he wants all of us to praise him for trying to introduce reform to Maldives after being in power for 27 years. Is that not the joke of the century?

Another point to note is that, it has now been more than 8 months since he announced his reform package and to this day nothing has happened on the ground. His government and attitude towards the reformers and dissidents have, if anything, become more and more aggressive.

If Gayyoom wants to avoid real chaos and bloodshed, he must step down now. This is not a threat but words of conciliation. No Maldivian truly believes that Gayyoom has what it takes or even the intention to change the future of Maldives for the betterment of the people. In fact to the contrary, most people are now talking about a mass appraisal against his rule despite knowing that Gayyoom will even kill his own people again to remain in power with the pretext of National Security. The international community must not turn a blind eye to all this. Gayyoom’s security forces must not use excessive force against the very people they are supposed to protect.