Category: News in Brief

Maldives witnessing a classic test of democratic ideals

Two years after the Maldives attained the Wilsonian democracy, it’s witnessing a classic test of democratic ideals with a political struggle emerging between President Mohamed Nasheed and the opposition dominated parliament, writes Balaji Chandramohan for the Atlantic Sentinel.

“The struggle has “invited” regional mediation from Sri Lanka with the countries as China, India and Pakistan wanting to have a crack at solving the problem as well. The United States, meanwhile, have urged Malé to accept international (i.e., not regional) mediation.

“The problem with the Maldives’ politics is multiplied by the paradox of its constitution. The constitution, which was adopted in August 2008, establishes a presidential system of government though vests significant power with parliament. It is a classic example of decentralization with extended checks and balances. This becomes problematic in case parliament is controlled by the opposition as is the case in the Maldives today. The opposition is then able to obstruct the core functions of the executive, such as raising taxes and providing subsidies.

“The escalating political rift in the Maldives casts doubt upon Malé’s ability to host the 17th South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation Summit next year. The Maldives were supposed to host the 16th SAARC summit in July 2008 which the government was unable to facilitate because of preparations for the October elections.”

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Transport authority prohibits vehicles on the day of Eid

The Transport Authority of the Maldives has prohibited vehicles from 4:00pm to 1:00am during the day of Fitr Eid, reported local newspaper Haveeru.

Haveeru reported that only vehicles of the armed forces, ambulances, wheel chairs of disabled people, permitted taxis and vehicles used for entertainment purposes on the day are allowed to ride between the mentioned times.

Any person who violated the statement would be fined Rf750 (US$ 50), reported Haveeru.

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President ratifies gang violence bill

President Mohamed Nasheed has ratified the bill on gang violence.

According to the bill, possession of sharp objects and other weapons without a valid reason is prohibited and huge penalties are served for those who violate the Act.

The Act has now been published in the government’s gazette.

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MNDF discovers canoe of lost fisherman

The coast guard have discovered a canoe belonging to an expat who was lost at sea while fishing, reported the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).

The MNDF reported that the canoe was discovered near Fulidhoo in Vaavu Atoll.

Speedboats searching for the missing person have now begun searching near the area where the canoe was found.

MNDF identified the lost person as Adhunaan Yousuf, 59, Mirusmaage of Fulidhoo in Vaavu Atoll.

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Police order to cease DhiFM coverage unconstitutional, says Police Integrity Commission

The Police Integrity Commission has ruled that an order by Maldives Police Services for DhiFM to cease coverage of a riot outside the presidential residence on January 28 was unconstitutional and violated the police act, reports Miadhu.

Police claimed that the order was given because the DhiFM coverage was broadcast in such a manner that it was a potential threat to national security, however police failed to convince the commission.

The commission claimed that two police officers went to DhiTV following an order by Superintendent of Police Ahmed Saudhee, with Saudhee taking the orders from Deputy Commissioner of Police Ahmed Muneeru, according to Miadhu.

Following the incident, Department of Information docked five points from DhiFM’s broadcasting license for eight contract violations,

Police had accused DhiFM of airing live interviews with people calling for others to join the protest and overthrow the government through violence. DhiFM claimed plain clothed officers entered the station’s premises and demanded the broadcast be terminated, raising the ire of advocates for media freedom.

The content review committee at the Department of Information found that DhiFM’s coverage breached aspects of the code including failing to distinguish between fact and opinion, produce unbiased and balance coverage of controversial/political events, and promoting criminal activities as “something good or acceptable”.

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UK student visa procedures eased for Maldivians

The UK Border Agency has announced it will expedite the processing of student visas for Maldivian applicants whose courses are due to commence by the end of October 2010.

UK Border Agency further stated that visa applications submitted between 8 to 14 September 2010 would be processed within five working days, making it easier for Maldivian students as they can obtain visas by travelling to Sri Lanka only once.

The UK High Commission to the Maldives is affiliated with the UK’s Sri Lankan High Commission. During a recent debate in the House of Commons, Members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on the Maldives raised the difficulties Maldivian students face when trying to obtain a visa to study in the UK, as well as mobilising British financial assistance to the Maldives.

The debate was organised by the UK-Maldives All Party Group with the support of the High Commission of Maldives in London, and was open to the public.

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