:: Dhivehi Observer :: Peoples Press ::

'It was the most beautiful scene ever' reform movement gaining momentum

Mariyam Mohamed, Male’, 8 August 2004

Maldivian people are pushing hard for reform and to establish pluralistic democracy in the Maldives. Maldivians have not tasted true freedom over the past 25 years as it has been marred with poverty, ignorance and fear, under the tyranny of Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom, the longest serving head of government in Asia.

After the self-acclaimed reform speech last June, Gayyoom allowed people to hold some debates in Male’, the capital. However, no island was allowed to hold such a meeting. After about 6 reform meetings, Gayyoom realised that the reformists were crossing the line and gaining momentum. The reformists are no longer able to get permission or even a venue to hold a debate or a meeting to discuss constitutional reform and debate pluralistic democracy.

People of Male’, which is home to the largest group of Maldivians, are gathering in the Eastern corner of Male’, near the Tetrapod Monument. People call this the 3-legged stone and is now seen as representative of the desires of people to separate the powers of state, the executive, the legislature and the judiciary. There must have been around 3000 people there tonight.

Maldivians are desperate for change and determined to see the rule of law implemented.

One of the people who attended the gathering tonight said ‘it was the most beautiful scene ever’ referring to the euphoric atmosphere, in which people just exchanged there views on the current political situation in the Maldives.

In the gathering, someone also announced the unfair dismissal of A Dh. member Ilyas Hussain from his post at the Atolls Ministry today because of his opposition to the government and for filing the case against Hameed for treason.

Food and drinks were also served as people went on with their talks. Some members of the Parliament were also there tonight. People like Hon. Qasim Ibrahim and Hon. Shareef of Addu, Hon. Mohamed Shihab and many other prominent people of Male' were seen talking to people freely about the need for transparency and a more representative government.

There were also some incidents as some mobs were sent there by Gayyoom's brother Yameen and cousing Adheel Jaleel. These boys were trying to pick a fight with people. In fact they approached Hon. member for Addu, Mr. Shareef but the matter was soon resolved. It is reported that around 50 are in this mob who are paid by Yameen and managed by Adheel Jaleel. The reformists are not concerned about this minority, who they hope will eventually switch sides.

Below are some scenes from tonight’s gathering