Category: Politics

Minivan spends 15 Minutes with Hameed Shiruhan, Vice President of MDP’s Kudahenveiru Gofi, who was stabbed on 18 January in Male’.

Shiruhan was interviewed from his bed in ADK Hospital, Male’, on 19 January shortly after undergoing surgery for his knive wounds.

MR: Shiruhan, can you please tell us what you can recall of the incident?

Shiruhan: Yes, around 2pm [on the 18 January] I was having lunch at the Dynamo I heard that some people had come to my house and had begun a serious fight with one boy. So I went there along with four others. I parked my motorbike near Henveiru Cemetery and walked to the spot to see what was happening. Within no time I felt that someone was running towards me and then as I turned I was attacked. At first I thought I had received a shot with a fist, and I felt numbness in my chest. Suddenly I felt warm and discovered blood gushing out.

At once I got onto the motorbike and asked someone there to help ride the vehicle. We came straight to ADK Hospital. In the dressing room they tried to stop the bleeding. However even after an hour the bleeding was not stopped. When I was taken into the operating theatre it was still bleeding. There they tried to sew the wound, and I also remember vomiting into the oxygen mask. Thereafter I was kept in the ICU. I was unable to sleep throughout the night. And now I have been transferred to a private room.

MR: Can you tell us if the doctor revealed the seriousness of the injury?

Shiruhan: The doctor said that it is a deep cut. He said that I am very lucky that no nerves have been affected, although he mentioned an artery being damaged. Since I had bled profusely I have received about three pints of [transfused] blood. I received two pints while I was in the ICU.

MR: I can see that there is a pipe connected and blood is oozing into it…can you explain?

Shiruhan: It is the blood that had come out of the wound…and gathered outside…the pipe was connected during the time they tried to sew the wound…excess blood is seeping into the pipe even now…

MR: What I would like to ask then is…as I walked in there were some police investigators and I heard what they were saying…do you have any hope of getting an investigation conducted on this attack?

Shiruhan: I don’t even hope that this incident can be investigated. That is because these attacks are being conducted by people who are connected to the DRP. Therefore I don’t see a process within this present system that will allow any investigation.

And, he [the police investigator] said even before beginning an inquiry that they don’t have any evidence to justify the arrest of those who did this. So he says even if the case is taken to any senior judge no arrests can be made. And I am a victim…so maybe, my word will not be believed…but, there are friends who had witnessed the attacks and reported to the authorities yet he has said just now they have no evidence received to justify an arrest.

My question is the statements put forward by my friends who witnessed these attacks…is that not enough evidence? I think that there is a very strong support being given to the DRP people in order to protect them.

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Minivan News spends 15 Minutes with Mohamed Nasheed (Colonel), MDP candidate for the Male’ by-election to the Peoples’ Special Majlis.

MN: Why are you standing for the Male’ seat in the forthcoming by-elections?

Nasheed: I believe that the country is indeed badly in need of reform. Not just for name’s sake. The reform agenda is facing delays due to the delays arising in amending the constitution. Consequently, the people of Male’ are being denied many of their rights. We must bear in mind that Male’ has the largest population in the country and delays in amending the constitution are bound to have a negative impact on the peoples’ lives in Male’ as well as in other parts of the country. Hence it is my wish to be a part of this work and I assure everyone that I will put my best efforts to the job. That’s my reason for being a candidate in this by-election.

MN: Why should the citizens of Male’ elect you?

Nasheed: I am someone who will stand up for the rights of the people of Male’. Once I’ve given my word I will not change it no what kind of influences are brought to bear on me. The people can be assured that I will always seek the most beneficial path for them. If I’m allowed to represent the people of Male’ at the Majlis, it is not my wish to simply occupy the chair. I hope to represent the interests of the people of Male’ in the fullest sense.

MN: We have received reports that a campaign ‘haruge’ has opened in your name? How true is this?

Nasheed: Yes, I have opened a campaign ‘haruge’ just opposite the Sosun Stores building. When I say ‘haruge’, you will no doubt be aware of the passions and feelings associated with such a place. Even before, we had constructed a haruge – the same spirit will pervade this haruge too. Gatherings, sharing token meals like ‘bodi-bai’y’ and generally sharing our views and expressing ourselves – these are what goes on at the haruge. If we look at the Greeks and their culture, we see that all movements have their beginnings in such places. When we look at the French revolution too, the same picture emerges. Even the current political awakening in the Maldives too has emerged out of similar gatherings. Therefore my hope is to make this haruge a true haruge in every sense.

MN: How do you expect to proceed with your campaign?

Nasheed: Well, the President of the Maldives will definitely not participate in our gatherings at the haruge. However, several branch President’s of the MDP including others will gather at our haruge. So you’ll see even if the President of the Republic should decide to boycott us, we’ll not be lacking in Presidents. No matter – the President of the Maldives too is allowed a single vote and the same applies to every one of the Presidents attending here.

My campaign strategy is directed straight at the peoples’ hearts. Those who support my philosophy, my ideologies and my beliefs can go ahead and vote for me. I’ll not force or intimidate anyone to vote for me. If someone wishes to vote for someone else, you’ll not find me assaulting the person. I will not attack another campaign office nor will I pay people to destroy other’s posters.

The way I see it – I’m facing a very serious issue here. This is not a comedy. What I wish to say is – don’t elect just anyone for the job of amending the constitution. However, I feel the people would already be thinking along the same lines.

MN: What are your expectations for the forthcoming elections?

Nasheed: If it is the peoples’ wish, I can be elected to the seat by a hundred percent margin. If so, they can remain assured that every single one of those hundred percent will be fully represented at the Majlis.

MN: In view of what you’ve just said – you’ve implied that a lot can be done for the people – how much are you prepared to stand behind the pledge?

Nasheed: My message to the people is: you should trust everyone until you lose that trust. Hence, please trust me too until you lose that trust.

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The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party is gearing up for its first ever party Congress, to be held on the 15th December 2005. The Congress will elect the leadership of the MDP and a host of other positions.

Only the presidents of each local MDP branch (gofi) will be able to vote in Congress, however. A number of local party members have objected to this. We asked MDP Spokesperson Hamid Abdul Gafoor to explain how Congress will operate and put to him some of the objections raised by party members.

MN: Could you explain why the MDP will only allow branch Presidents to vote in the party Congress?

HG: This is what is in the party constitution – a system whereby we create an electoral college. A lot of people in the party feel that this is not a very appropriate system for the Maldives but this is the model in the constitution. The initial idea of a cell, or branch, was to involve 20 people but our MPs and people who are studying this, they decided that it was going to be 100. So I think when the party expanded and a lot of people came into this process a lot of people are now saying that this is not the best option for us, considering the state of political awareness that we have at the grass roots level.

MN: Would you consider changing the election procedures for Congress or are you going to go ahead with the current system?

HG: This is on the cards. We are not rejecting the idea [of changing the voting procedures]. But at the moment the party is being run by a Caretaker Committee and the Caretaker Committee is not in a position to change the basic constitutional model of the party that has already been registered. We debated this at length and there are two problems.

Firstly, this is the model that is on paper and that has been registered [with the Elections Commission]. If you want to make an amendment to this, Congress is the body where that can be made. The second problem is the logistical problem. For example, if we propose an amendment to the Congress and the amendment gets passed where, instead of an electoral college, the position of party president is going to be elected directly by the members, the logistical nightmare of getting this done is quite considerable. How could we turn around and say during Congress: “hey, we’re not going to elect like this, but like this other way,” when the election is due to be held that afternoon?

We need to get the party running – the party President, Chairperson, administration elected before we can proceed with our political agenda. So what we decided was, because of the logistical nightmare and because the Caretaker Committee doesn’t have the legitimacy to change something just like that, we will go as per the model that is in the party constitution, we will get our elections done and then we will propose amendments to the Congress. If the amendments are passed, we can change the voting rules for the next Congress.

MN: Another question that is often posed is whether the voting will be transparent; so will branch members know which way their president has voted during Congress?

HG: We are promoting the idea of internal democracy. We are asking branch presidents to ask their members who they should vote for. But, of course, the vote is a secret ballot at the Congress so you can never tell which way the branch president voted.

If you look at the branch rules, there is room for ten members in the branch out of one hundred members to move a motion of no confidence against the branch president. If the branch can get together and get a two thirds majority they can remove the president. But of course, there is no way of checking if the president voted the way the branch wanted them to during this Congress. This is an obvious weakness in the system from the point of view of people who are asking for direct elections instead of an electoral college.

MN: What type of voting method will be used at Congress?

HG: The rules of procedure in the party constitution does not specify the electoral process so we created a committee to look into this, study electoral processes and decide what is the best for us. At the moment, what the committee has decided is that we will go for a preferential voting system.

A preferential vote means that each branch president will register their choices [for president, vice-president etc.] first choice, second choice, third choice and so on. Through a process of elimination of the least popular candidates, we will get a candidate with an absolute majority [over 50%] of the votes. This is better than going for a first-past-the-post system, where with eight candidates someone with just 20% of the vote can win.

We are also obtaining the services of an independent election monitor from overseas. Their job will be to monitor the election and advise us. We thought that would be a good idea.

If you would like to pose questions to the MDP about their party Congress, why not write an open letter to Hamid Abdul Gafoor? Email: [email protected]

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Minivan News spends 15 Minutes with Mr. Gary Streeter, a British MP and Chairman of the Conservative Party’s new human rights commission. He told Minivan News why Britain’s main opposition party is so concerned about what is going on in the Maldives.

MN: Could you explain a little about who you are and what the Conservative Party’s new Human Rights Commission is all about?

GS: My name is Gary Streeter and I’m a Conservative Member of Parliament in Britain and I’ve been an MP for 13 years and for the last five years taken a specialist interest in international affairs of one kind or another.

Earlier this Autumn, our shadow foreign secretary Dr Liam Fox, because we have a Labour [party] government at the moment so the Conservatives are in opposition, asked me to set up and chair a new thing for the Conservative Party, a human rights commission, which is intended to look around the world and monitor human rights records of any states that we are concerned about with a view to shaping our foreign policy baring in mind how governments around the world treat their own people. We are just getting going and it’s been drawn to my attention that there are problems in the Maldives and that is what we have been trying to raise here as an issue.

MN: What are the concerns that you have about the Maldives at the moment?

GS: Here in Britain we think of the Maldives as paradise on earth and lots of people go there for a spectacular holiday and get married and all sorts of things and I’m sure that won’t change but we are concerned a recent reports that the current government are not allowing room for democracy to breathe in the Maldives and in particular the leader of the main opposition party Mohamed Nasheed [was] recently arrested and standing trial for terrorism charges and other offenses. I wasn’t present at the peaceful vigil in Male’ in August when he was arrested, but it sounds from many of the things that I’ve heard that these charges may not be entirely well-founded.

It’s not for us to say whether he is guilty or innocent. Our main concern is: is he going to get a fair trial? And from the report of some independent UK lawyers who went to Maldives in September [Sir Ivan Lawrence Commission], which I’ve read very carefully, it does seem that that is highly unlikely. We think that that is a breach of international human rights and we are calling upon Maldives government to make sure that Mohamed Nasheed does receive a fair trial and gets justice.

MN: What do you think the Conservative Party can do to help secure Nasheed a fair trial and also push forward the democratic processes in the Maldives?

GS: Well, the Conservative Party at the moment can do two things. One is to raise the issue here and make a noise about it, and that is what we plan to do. And secondly, to put our own government, the British government, under pressure to put the Maldivian government under pressure to improve its performance on human rights.

That is the reality of the world in which we live. Bigger governments, particularly when there are aid and trade transactions which are of relevance and bearing in mind that 100,000 Brits go to the Maldives every year, we can put other governments under pressure to give their own people the freedom and to treat them decently as we would expect people to be treated here in the West and in Britain in particular.

I think the other thing that I would point out is that the Maldives are a Commonwealth country and of course Britain is a big player in the Commonwealth and we would hope that the Commonwealth can put the Maldivian government under pressure.

Again, it’s not for us to tell any government how to run its affairs but we don’t like the thought that people’s human rights and access to a fair trial are being abused and we very much hope that that can be put right.

MN: Could I ask you as a party, whether you think Tony Blair’s Labour government is doing enough to promote human rights in the Maldives?

GS: I don’t want to be critical of Tony Blair and his government. They’ve got plenty on their plate and in many ways we support some of the efforts they’ve made to stand up for human rights around the world and some of these situations are very complicated. So I’m not really here to criticize Mr. Blair’s government at this stage but more can always be done.

And the way the world works is if we parliamentarians and opposition parties put our own governments under pressure that will hopefully persuade them to take an even greater stand and to put even more pressure on the individuals who are behind the kind of human rights abuses that we can no longer find acceptable in the 21st century.

I hope Mr. Blair and the Foreign Secretary will take an even tougher line. I very much hope that the President of the Maldives will listen to that and recognize that the eyes of the world are upon him at this time and its up to him how he conducts his own affairs but let’s make sure that everybody gets a fair trial and that’s all we are calling for.

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Minivan News spends 15 Minutes with MDP Presidency candidate Mohamed Ibrahim Didi (Mody).

MN: Why are you standing for the leadership of the MDP in the forthcoming Congress?

M: I am not contesting because I have any selfish needs nor because I have a great ambition to be the party leader. However, MDP has come to a stage where the party needs to show leadership and prove to the people that it can confidently govern the country. I am contesting because the leadership of the country is not one man’s own domain. And i think all the capable people who have nominated themselves have proved that there are people who are willing and able to lead the Maldives into a modern democracy.

MN: MDP has said the party needs to develop a set of policies. What sort of policies would you like to see the party develop?

M: It is up to the party members to decide on the policy they would like their party to have. As for me, I would like a more just and equal society. I wouldn’t want people who are sick to go and beg for money to get medical treatment because they can’t afford it. I wouldn’t want drug peddlars in front of schools where our children study. I want the economic benefits to be distributed in a more equitable manner. I want the justice system in the country to treat everybody fairly and equally.

MN: What do you think the MDP needs to do to dig the country out of the political hole it is currently in?

M: The things are standing at a standstill because the government is refusing to listen to the voice of the people. The government is refusing to talk with the other parties. Only through a dialogue between the government and opposition can we get out of this mess. However, the government must be sincere in starting a dialogue. I don’t think keeping the chairperson of the opposition party under detention shows sincerity. We are willing to talk with the government only when they release the political prisoners and show their sincerity.

MN:What should the MDP be doing to ensure those arrested following the 12-14 August unrest are released, including the current Chairperson Anni.

M: I believe what we have all agreed in Colombo is a good course of action. Unless the political prisoner are released, MDP must pursue all means of peaceful civil disobedience. We must not deter from our course of action because of warnings and threats from the government. What we are proposing to do is not illegal but what is a right of ours. It is a right granted to people in all democratic societies. Preventing us from practicing our rights to freedom of assembly and expression will be a violation of our constitution.

MN: Some MDP members have said you have been quite quiet as an MP since the January elections. Do you think this will impact on your chances for party president?

M: I have been working as an MP in the People’s Majlis as well as People’s Special Majlis. I am working as a member of the the caretaker committee of MDP. I have not been quiet but I may not have been very visible. I will respect the decision of the members of the Congress when the decision is made in December.

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Minivan News spends 15 Minutes with Mohamed Shihab, Member of Parliament for Male’ and a candidate for MDP Presidency in the forthcoming party Congress.

MN: Why are you standing for the Presidency of the MDP in the forthcoming Congress?

MS: I believe that with the blessing of God all mighty I have the necessary political experience and will to serve the party and lead the fight for democracy, freedom, justice and rule of law.

I believe I can deliver the nation from oppression and tyranny that it had long endured and sail to the shores of democracy and freedom where each person is treated with respect and dignity, where harmony and contentment prevail, where opportunities are available to all and none is left behind.

I believe the time has come for the party to show a leader who not only lead but lead by knowledge, experience and example. Having studied in a free and democratic nation I have spent my entire adult life serving the people of Maldives.

I have served the people of Maldives in many areas, in the planning sector, in attracting foreign aid and assistance, in the corporate arena and in parliament. Armed with what I have learnt I am more than prepared to fight for what I believe and what I had been taught to believe by my teachers and parents which is freedom, justice and respect to all.

I have witnessed how and why the country had gone astray, the declared policies, the hidden agendas and the endemic corruption that had lead the country to this sorry state. I know and understand what had gone wrong and what needs to be done to redeem the country from this tyranny and misery and build a prosperous, compassionate society where justice is the order of the day.

When representing the people of Dhaalu Atoll at the Peoples Majlis for the last twenty years I have advocated for freedom and democracy at all times, I had been patient, as God is with those who are patient, I had contributed to democracy and freedom whenever an opportunity arose. A man can only make a minute difference, ending tyranny requires concentration of work, determination and perseverance of many as it is happening now. People of Dhaalu Atoll had voted me to Majlis four times despite hostile campaigns been waged against me. This shows the faith and trust they had in me and appreciated what I had fought for in the Majlis. People of Male’ had voted me to parliament, further strengthening the faith and trust the people have in me, making me the longest serving member in the Majlis and I am eternally grateful to all and I promise to all that I would continue to devote my time and energy for the principles I believe in and for the just cause we are fighting for.

MN: MDP has said the party needs to develop a policy manifesto following the leadership election. What sort of policies would you like to see the party develop?

MS: I want MDP to develop a set of policies that will benefit each and everyone of us, a policy that would address and eradicate poverty and misery that prevails in the country, a policy that ensures that each and everyone of us can sleep peacefully at night knowing full well that they are free from the midnight raids by the security forces.

I want MDP to implement a policy where all fathers and mothers can be sure that their children are being educated by the most qualified teachers, a policy where no child should leave school without learning how to read or write. We do no favour when we permit students to pass from grade to grade for the sake of statistics as it is the case now.

I want MDP to develop a policy that provides the best health care for all and not for the privileged few, a policy that recognizes housing as a fundamental human right of each and every Maldivian.

MDP should follow a policy that facilitates free enterprises, expansion of trade and increase the national productivity. Where rights of the workers are recognized and respected, a policy where pensioners can live a decent and a dignified life.

I want MDP to develop a policy that creates more employment, a policy that will eliminate the widening gap between the rich and the poor and help all Maldivians to share in our nation’s wealth to enjoy a secure and a fulfilling life.

As you know, our children are the targets of a massive pre planned campaign to hook them on drugs, I would want MDP to address the drug issue as a matter of priority and provide a comprehensive mechanism to rehabilitate the unfortunate victims.

I want MDP to protect the civil liberties of the citizens and build a democratic, corruption free, tolerant and a compassionate society that is just and equitable, where the rights of every citizen are paramount, where the principles of Islam are upheld and respected.

MN: What do you think the MDP needs to do to dig the country out of the political hole it is currently in?

MS: I am not surprised to find Maldives in a political hole. If you look into the history of the world it is a phase that all countries on the road to democracy go through, we are not an exception. The political history in India and South Africa to name a few, passed through the same phase before achieving democracy. We need to be patient and act prudently. We need to appreciate that for every good which we seek we have to sacrifice some of our comfort and our ease.

Our Chairman and others are behind bars, why? because they stood for democracy and freedom. He along with a few brave men and women of our party exercised a right enshrined in our constitution. The injustices they now face is the ultimate sacrifice they are making for the good we shall finally reap. Our challenges are formidable but God willing we shall soon overcome and sail from Thuraakunu to Addu, thanking and praising All Mighty for delivering us from this tyranny and oppression.

MN: What should the MDP be doing to ensure those arrested following the 12-14 August unrest are released, including the current Chairperson Mohamed Nasheed (Anni)?

MS: MDP should always fight for democracy, freedom and justice and abhor violence. Our Chairperson and a few others are behind bars not because they carried out an illegal act but for exercising a fundamental right clearly expressed in our constitution, they are arrested and falsely imprisoned at the fancy of those who have sworn to protect and uphold our constitution, we shall hold them accountable and bring justice to them.

I believe we at MDP should expose to the public and to the international community the lies and deceptions the present regime is engaged in. This is an era where there is almost no restraint in communication, we should continue to use the medium of technology in whatever means available to educate the public to the fact that there is not even an iota of justice accorded to our Chairman and others arrested and let the people be the judge.

I am saddened to find that those who ought to know what is right and wrong had decided to abandon whatever decency in them to defend the in defendable for an earthly gain or recognition. I am sure, God willing time will finally reveal the truth and justice be done.

MN: Some people have criticised you for lacking the vision and courage needed to take on a regime such as Gayoom’s. Do you think this is true?

MS: Well, I believe it is the opposite, the fact that for the last twenty years I have at all parliamentary sittings stood up for freedom and democracy, the fact that being in a senior position in the Government I have joined the main opposition party and is active in it should prove otherwise.

Unlike some others I may not be hasty in endorsing or pursuing certain actions that a minority of our party members demand, this may be mistaken by some as lack of courage on my part but I do not see it that way. I believe that as we are fighting a dictator who had ruled the country for over twenty seven years, we just cannot blindly let emotions and hatred dictate our actions, we should be patient, we just cannot bring democracy overnight or change what people are taught to think. I am being realistic here.

Those educated in democracies may wish to employ certain tactics to pressurize the government which may be considered normal in such countries, but here in the Maldives these are regarded by the majority as inappropriate and would not attract wide participation.

I believe that firstly, we need to free our people from fear and apprehension instilled in their minds.

I believe that an opposition should never miscalculate its opponent, if it does the consequences may be disastrous.

I favour a comprehensive plan of action strengthening our suffering citizens, weakening and finally destroying the dictatorship, and build a durable democracy. It is often the case that dictatorships are often replaced by dictatorships or with anarchy I do not want either to happen in the Maldives. In order to succeed we need to analyse and understand the present situation and adopt a strategy that would bring nothing but true democracy to the Maldives.

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Minivan News spends 15 Minutes with Member of Parliament for Male’ Ibrahim Ismail, who is standing for president of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) in the upcoming leadership election, set for 15th December.

MN: Are you planning to stand for the leadership of the MDP in the forthcoming Congress?

II: Yes, I have already submitted my intention to compete to the secretariat.

MN: Why?

II: I believe that the leadership contest of MDP must be healthy and robust and as many people from within the party who have the capability and standing for the job must come forward so that in the end, our party will have the best possible person as our leader. In this regard I believe that I am very well suited for the leadership of MDP, and hence I should compete.

More specifically, since my return from overseas in 1993, I have worked within the system of government for 12 years before I resigned from my job to work more independently in the political arena. During my work in the government, I have visited 196 islands of the 200 populated islands in the country, and worked very closely with ordinary people of this country. I am acutely aware of their difficulties, their aspirations and their despair. I have spent time in jail more than once due to my standing up for the people of this country. Hence, I am very aware of what we are up against, and I believe that I have the stamina and will power to confront this oppressive regime.

Additionally, I have worked very closely with most of the international donors to this country such as the World Bank, ADB, IDB, UN Missions, and in the past year, I have been in close contact with representatives of the EU, Commonwealth and various High Commissions and embassies of countries who are expressing concern over the situation in the Maldives. Therefore I am very aware of what needs to be done on the international front.

Furthermore, a large number of people in Male’ and the atolls are in contact with me and I believe that if I am allowed to lead MDP, I can generate even more public support for the party which will be crucial in an election.

MN: MDP has said the party needs to develop a policy manifesto following the leadership election. What sort of policies would you like to see the party develop?

II: MDP already has a party manifesto. What we need to do now is to develop a broad policy framework which will encompass the ideals expressed in the party manifesto. It is a bit early to go into specifics yet, but on the whole, I am firmly committed to policies which will promote a liberal, slightly left of centre kind of environment which will pave the way for a more egalitarian society. A strong component of the kind of policies which I would like to see evolve out of MDP would be with a strong emphasis on promoting human rights and civil liberties and freedoms.

I believe that great emphasis has to be placed on overhauling the entire system of governance in the country. In particular, the judiciary needs radical change, as this is necessary to deliver people out of oppression and to create an environment in which they can live without fear. I would be advocating a policy framework which will allow people to pursue their dreams without inhibition, and where the role of government is minimized mainly to regulatory aspects and encouraging private enterprise and civil society to lead the way forward to build the new Maldives.

In a rapidly changing world, I believe we should be striving to take advantage of newly emerging opportunities, both in the economic and social front. I firmly believe that young Maldivians have the courage, creativity and commitment to take this nation forward in hitherto unthought-of directions. I would like MDP to develop a policy framework which will unleash that energy, and encourage the taking of calculated risks in new directions rather than being tied down to conservative ideas of “what has worked for us in the past.”

Furthermore, it is my view that the current regime has systematically destroyed the spirituality in our community, and along with material development, we must encourage people to engage in spiritual development though a revival of tolerant Islamic values which promotes harmony and morality in society.

MN: What do you think the MDP needs to do to dig the country out of the political hole it is currently in?

II: I believe that MDP needs to be more pro-active, and to develop a framework of devolved decision making which will allow quick decisions to be made. MDP must capitalize on the huge support it has gained at the grassroots and translate this support into peaceful, yet affirmative action at the grassroots to exert more pressure on Qayyoom’s government.

MN: What should the MDP be doing to ensure those arrested following the 12-14 August unrest are released, including the current Chairperson Anni?

II: We must, on all fronts, expose this government for its illegal actions against these detainees. Information dissemination about the truth of the matter is crucial. Further, action at the grassroots is again critical to exert maximum pressure on the government. I believe that while the international community’s concern and action is having an enormous impact, action taken locally is just as important, and it is this action which will prompt further international action. We need to plan and implement a strategy which impacts the government on many fronts, legal, parliamentary, grassroots action extending to civil disobedience if necessary.

We must realize that we are dealing with terrorism endorsed by the state, legitimized through twisted interpretations of the legislation and sabotaging of the judicial system.

MN: Some people have criticised you for not being a team player and being too autocratic in your leadership style. Do you think these criticisms are fair or valid?

II: It depends on what those people define as autocratic. I challenge anyone to quote a single instance when I have acted without consulting either the council or the secretariat, or having contravened a decision of the council. It could be that some people misinterpret strong views as being autocratic. I believe that I have every right to express my opinion, and to strive to sell that opinion and argue for it. But once a collective decision is reached following the argument, then all should stand by that decision. That is democracy and being a team player, as far as I am concerned. To be a leader is to have the vision when others do not. This country needs radical and revolutionary vision to get us out of the pits.

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Minivan News spends 15 Minutes with Dr Waheed, who is standing for president of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) in the upcoming leadership election, set for 15th December.

MN: Are you planning to stand for the Presidency of the MDP in the forthcoming party congress?

W: It is my intention to run for MDP party leadership.

MN: Why?

W: There comes a time in every ones life when they have to reflect on what they want to do with their lives. I have now reached a stage where my children are all grown up and I need to do something that brings meaning to my life. I have had a long and successful life as an international civil servant and enjoyed every minute of my work. However, I have always felt a sense of duty to my country because I am what I am only because of my country. I had a good upbringing and an excellent education. At this time in history Maldives needs people with education and experience to take it to the next level of political and economic development. Maldives is going through an historical period of transition which has come about largely due to developments in education and the economy. We need a new generation of leaders who are capable of leading this country into the 21st century. I believe that I am part of that new generation.

I believe that Maldives is ready for an open democratic society. We need leaders who understand the complexities of creating a new political system. My training in political science, international development and education provide a unique combination of skills. I have also gained invaluable experience as an international civil servant working with people of different backgrounds and opinions and in different countries. I bring unique skills in building relationships and mediation.

Anyone who aspires to lead a democratic country must go through a democratic process to qualify for leadership positions. I believe in the process that has been set by the Maldivian Democratic Party. I have been in an elected position as a Member of Parliament for Male’ and won the largest number of votes in the general election. The people in this country know me because of my unique background. I was the first television anchor in the country, the first to receive a doctorate of philosophy, the first to run an open political campaign, and the first Maldivian to attain a director position in the United Nations. Although not as a minister, I have also headed a government ministry and contributed to the establishment of the current education system in the country.

Most of all, I strongly believe that only a democratic and open society can foster the optimum development of human beings. The greatest contribution we can make to others is to give them the space, the resources and the freedom to be the best they can be. Removing the shackles of political oppression and freeing people, both men and women, to think and express their intellectual and creative energies would be the greatest contribution one can make towards his fellow human beings.

MN: MDP has said the party needs to develop a policy manifesto following the leadership election. What sort of policies would you like to see the party develop?

W: We need to develop a concise policy document very soon. It should be a framework document which outlines the party’s basic policies. First, it needs to affirm the principles of democracy, human rights and Islam. Secondly, it needs to outline the fundamental issues we as a party want to address. Based on that analysis, we need to come up with general policy directions for each sector of the economy and society. I believe that a more detailed election manifesto can be drawn up later as we face a general election.

The general policy direction I would like to see the party develop is a strong commitment to an open democratic society while pursuing a policy of economic growth and balanced development between Male’ and the atolls. Due to the historical opportunity presented to us, MDP must outline the political reforms we propose. These will include constitutional reform to achieve effective separation of powers and the establishment and development of democratic institutions. MDP must commit itself to introducing and maintaining free and fair elections, creation of independent election and civil service commissions, and a free press. MDP policy should be to promote civil society and their role in the development of the country.

Tourism must continue to be the backbone of the economy with fisheries becoming a more viable alternative for employment and income generation. MDP should commit itself to a policy of knowledge intensive development with education becoming a more effective tool for full employment and economic growth. Education and heath sectors must put the emphasis on the development of the full potential of every individual and the not on the propagation of a particular system. The role of the state in the provision of social services should be one of setting policies and standards, oversight and guidance. The private sector should take a more effective role in service delivery.

In Maldives, public policy needs to reflect the Islamic foundations of our spiritual development. True democracy rests on foundations of connectivity to nature and spirituality. As Peter Senge of MIT states, only a deep connection with nature provides the inspiration for genuine democratic thinking. “As we loose those connections, isolation, fear and the need to control grows and democracy inevitably deteriorates”. A sustainable vision of social organization needs to consider environmental constraints and the potentials for development in harmony with nature.

MN: What do you think the MDP needs to do to dig the country out of the political hole it is currently in?

W: MDP is facing an extremely difficult choice. Our chairman is in political detention and the party leadership has decided not to discuss reforms with the government until he is released. There seems to be no willingness on the part of the Maldivian government to find a negotiated settlement. There is deep skepticism regarding the government’s sincerity about the reform process. If in case the government decides to pass a sentence on Nasheed despite the statements by international lawyers and observers that the process is deeply flawed, MDP will be put into a very serious position. Such a decision by the government would be a slap on MDP and it would be extremely hard for the party to sit down for talks.

I believe that our friends in the international community need to impress on the Maldivian government to find a more conciliatory approach. MDP will be ready to begin talks immediately after the release of Nasheed. At this point a third party intervention seems to be necessary. MDP needs to make a formal request to a third party, preferably the Commonwealth Secretariat to make this contact.

MN: What should the MDP be doing to ensure those arrested following the 12-14 August unrest are released, including the current Chairperson Mohamed Nasheed (Anni)?

W: The question has been partly answered above. Within Maldives, MDP must continue its call for their release and further intensify the peaceful protest against their continued detention. MDP supporters will continue to call for their release, the black ribbon campaign will continue, and MDP must use all legal means to pressure the government to relent. It will be in the interest of all, including the government to find a peaceful solution to the impasse.

The best option would be for the government to take leadership and start a process of confidence building with the main opposition. A government that has been in power for 27 years must surely have the experience and maturity to deal with this situation in a more peaceful manner. It is the future of this country that is at stake, not just Anni.

MN: Some people have criticised you for staying away from Maldives for the past few years. What is your response to this criticism?

W: I have addressed this issue on several occasions. Frankly, I think too much of a fuss is being made for political reasons. I have no regrets for having taken good care of my children, given them a good education and taken the time to recover from the political injustices my family was subjected to by this government. I have returned with an open mind, much better prepared for responsibility than I was when I was last in government, and most of all I have retained my integrity. I have been consistent in my struggle for democratic reforms in Maldives and have not compromised my principles.

It is precisely the opportunity to remain abroad and work in the United Nations that has given me the skills that are so badly needed in the political processes of reform we are about to embark. I believe that I am the best candidate for MDP leadership and that I can assist the party to successfully challenge the current government in a free and fair election.

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