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The Hindu – India

The Republic of Maldives is at a crossroads

The following article was Published in The Hindu on 4^th April 2005 and was written by their Special Correspondent

THIRUVANANTHAPURAN, APRIL 4. – The Republic of Maldives is at a crossroads. The coming months should give an indication whether the island nation would be moving towards democracy from autocracy.

The Maldivian President, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, announced an agenda for democracy, human rights and reform in February this year. His 31 point "Proposals for Constitutional Amendments," presented to the Speaker of the People’s Special Majlis, moots radical changes such as separatin of the powers of the executive and judiciary, equality before law and replacement of Shariah with constitutionally enacted laws. He has also announced the finalisation of the Criminal Justice Action Plan to overhaul the criminal justice system on international lines in four years.

Mr. Gayoom reiterated his promise of a multi-party democracy through a constitutional amendment in one year at a meeting in Thiruvananthapuram. The reaction to this announcement was muted because of scepticism and fear. At the meeting itself, no discussion of the proposals tool place though the leaders of Maldivian Association in Thiruvananthapuram attended it. However, the proposal to setup a consulate of Maldives in Thiruvananthapuram was welcomed by it.

The association has many sympathisers of dissidents and the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) in exile in its fold. It’s secretary, Aishath Rasheeda, residing in Thiruvananthapuram were not associated with any dissident activity.

However, its president, Ibrahim Hussain Fulhu, is known as a dissident among intelligence sources here. According to Chief Spokesman of Maldives Government, Ahmed Shaheed, who was here with the President, Mr. Fulhu is a moderate dissident while his daughter Susan Fulhu, is a hard-core dissident. Mr. Fulhu, who attended the meeting convened by the President, was not available for comment.

The Maldivian Democratic Party, which is banned in Maldives, does not believe that Mr. Gayoom intends to carry out his reforms.

Member of the General Council of MDP, Ahmed Moosa, told The Hindu by email from London that Mr. Gayoom has promised sweeping reforms in the past also, but nothing had materialised. Mr. Gayoom was not adhering to the current constitution. "Hence, we cannot trust him to reform and stick to that (the proposed) constitution."

He also noted that the President did not let the people to be part of the debate on reforms and the new constitution. "He is ruling the country with a culture of fear and intimidation."

The government spokesman said that while the President meant what he promised, the Opposition did not have any agenda other than capturing power. "The government wants the MDP to reject violence and fundamentalism and state its liberal agenda."

He claimed that press freedom was difficult to achieve in Maldives because of close connections of various people. Most people were related to one another. The Government proposed to bring a Press and Information Act. But it was not laws, but money that limited press freedom.