Dhivehi Observer :: The People's Press ::

Maldivian Democratic Party Press Statement

07th July 2004

On 9th June at a forum to propagate his constitutional reform, Gayoom passionately encouraged the people of Maldives to engage in free and open debate on the topic of reform. The Oriental Academic Centre responded to Gayoom’s call by organizing a series of debate. The two meetings held so far resulted in an unprecedented level of animated debate among the capacity crowd who attended the meeting.

Today (7th June 2004) Ministry of Home Affairs banned future meetings by the organizers on the grounds that they failed to stop some of speakers airing “anti-government” sentiments. What seems to have hurt Gayoom most was a placard calling for his resignation.

The meetings were conducted in an exemplary and orderly manner, and were attended by many leading personalities in Maldivian society including many members of the Special Majlis for constitutional reform. One of the two banned from holding further meetings, include Mr. Ibrahim Ismail who was elected to the Malé seat in the recent elections.

The international community enthusiastically applauded Gayoom for what they thought was radical, far-reaching reform that would curtail the autocratic powers presently vested in the President. The reform is also supposed to bring about separation of power, introduce independence of the Judiciary, encourage greater respect for human rights and open opportunities for political pluralism. The Maldivian Democratic Party welcomed Gayoom’s offer for constitutional reform with more restraint.

The party’s skepticism about Gayoom’s intentions is proving to be right. Gayoom’s relatives and cronies have already embarked on a concerted effort to intimidate the population into resisting introduction of competitive politics. Gayoom’s appointed MP and main spokesman on religious matters in the parliament has condemned in writing that separation of powers is an anti-islamic concept. The Maldivian Democratic Party believes that it is imperative that the international community fully appreciates that after 26 years of absolute dictatorial rule, Gayoom his family and cronies – pronouncements about introducing greater democratic participation not withstanding – vehemently resists and changes to the status quo. If the international community wishes to see more meaningful sustained reform in the Maldives they need to hold Gayoom more accountable to his words