Maldives Election 2008

MDP, Conservatives Call For Protection For Gayoom Post-Presidency

2008-08-02T22:28:00.001-07:00

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and visiting UK MP Richard Spring, from the Conservative Party, this week renewed calls for President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom to be offered security protection after his presidency concludes.

According to information minister Mohamed Nasheed, writing on his personal blog, Spring raised the issue with Gayoom when the two met on 30 July.

And Spring and MDP presidential candidate Mohamed Nasheed (Anni) told MDP supporters at the party’s Harugé centre on Thursday the MDP would support reconciliation if it came to power.

But Anni would not comment on speculation that the proposal was aimed at offering Gayoom, who has ruled the country for 30 years, an incentive to withdraw his candidacy ahead of the country’s first multi-party presidential elections, due by 10 October.

Urging the party to follow the example of past South African leader Nelson Mandela, Spring said on Thursday: “He came out of jail and said there should be no punishment against those who abused him.”

Anni said the gesture aimed to show “we are not in politics for a vendetta...former presidents should be able to live in dignity.” He had first publicly raised the idea of protection for Gayoom in December in an apparent attempt to appeal to moderates within the MDP.

Asked whether he would call for legal immunity for the President, or just security protection, Anni said he “cannot offer anything above the law”.

The country’s new constitution, which Gayoom has said he will ratify on 7 August, does not offer former presidents legal immunity, though it does give a limited immunity from civil cases whilst a president is in office.

Information minister Nasheed said on his blog that Spring had told him “the ‘outgoing’ president [should] be provided with security for life as regards his person and his civil liberties”, adding that Spring emphasised Anni should communicate this personally to Gayoom prior to elections.

Former president Ibrahim Nasir, who conceded the presidency voluntarily in 1978, was sentenced by Gayoom in 1981 for alleged corruption and planning a coup attempt against the Gayoom administration.

He was later pardoned, but has lived in Singapore since his presidency ended, never returning to the Maldives.

Nasir’s brother-in-law Ahmed Naseem and others were sentenced to life in 1981 over the alleged coup attempt, though they were later released, whilst Gayoom and other political leaders held meetings to denounce Nasir’s presidency.

Presidential candidate for the Social Liberal Party Ibrahim Ismail (Ibra) said, “If [the MDP] is referring to the witch hunt that happened after Gayoom came to power, I would be inclined to agree that there shouldn’t be something like this.”

But he cautioned, “If an individual wants to seek redress [against Gayoom], and has justifiable grounds, then the courts should be handling it.”

The Gayoom government has been repeatedly accused of human rights abuses, whilst opposition activists including Anni have previously been named as Amnesty International prisoners of conscience.

Anni is one of six declared presidential candidates; others are Ibra, Umar Naseer of the Islamic Democratic Party, independent candidates Dr Hassan Saeed and Idham Muiz Adnan, and Gayoom.

Constitution Sent Back To President With Ministries Clause Unchanged

2008-08-02T22:25:00.000-07:00

corrected version of the country’s new constitution was returned to President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom on Friday, Speaker of the Special Majlis (constitutional assembly) Gasim Ibrahim told Minivan News on Saturday.

But no change has been made on the only substantive issue raised by the President in a letter sent last week, over clause 116 of the document, which requires parliamentary approval for the creation of new government ministries by the President.

“He only requested an explanation [on the clause]... it was not an administrative mistake or anything like this,” Gasim said.

The President has pledged to ratify the constitution in 7 August, but had asked for a response to his letter first.

New Ministries

Gayoom had asked for clarification from Gasim on why the clause in the final version required parliament to approve the creation of any new ministries, despite the Special Majlis having previously voted not to require such approval.

But Gayoom said in a press conference last Tuesday he would ratify the document on 7 August, whether or not the issues he had raised were resolved.

Gasim and chair of the constitutional drafting committee Ibrahim Ismail (Ibra) appear to have stood firm over the clause, one of many in the new constitution which remove powers from the presidency.

Explanations

Gasim indicated the explanation he offered Gayoom on clause 116 reflected that given by Ibra last week on his personal blog.

Ibra wrote that as it was drafted, the constitution originally specified parliament should have the power to create ministries.

“The [constitutional] consultant, Professor Schmeiser, advised strongly that in any democracy...the ultimate power to create cabinet posts lies with the parliament,” Ibra said.

But the Special Majlis accepted an amendment “which was very ambiguous (in the context of the constitution), because...it said the president had the power to create ministries, but he should submit the decision to parliament,” according to Ibra.

Prior to the final “block vote” on the constitution, the clause was changed to require parliamentary approval, because in any case the word “submit” implies such approval, Ibra said. Others have translated the wording as “provide information to parliament”, however.

Because of a secretarial error, Ibra argued, the change to the clause was not highlighted when the constitution was circulated to Special Majlis members before the block vote.

Cronyism

Ibra also said the clause should combat cronyism, which “has ultimately led to the creation of over 20 ministries to manage a population of 300,000 people, and the appointment of persons to over 100 ‘cabinet and other senior level’ posts, culminating in a monthly wage bill of over Rf 6 million [US $469,000] for the taxpayer.”

The country’s current constitution assigns most powers to the President, including those of creating ministries and appointing ministers.

The new constitution introduces separation of powers in the country for the first time, and vastly reduces the authority of the presidency, often expanding the role of parliament instead.

“I have focused on removing his powers bit by bit, and doing it systematically,” Ibra said on his blog.

When the constitution was completed by the Special Majlis in June, former foreign minister Dr Ahmed Shaheed criticised it as “a straitjacket for Gayoom”.

But independent MP and human rights lawyer Husnu Suood said, “We achieved 99 per cent of what we hoped for.”

Ratification

Gayoom said in a press conference last Tuesday he would ratify the constitution on 7 August.

It had been completed by the Special Majlis on 26 June, but government had argued final reviews by the cabinet and attorney general were required, plus the passing of two new laws in parliament, before the constitution could come into effect.

After four years of work developing the document, this further delay sparked complaints from the opposition, culminating in a protest by over 1,000 people on 21 July.

The European Union (EU) also issued a statement on 25 July expressing “great concern” over delays to democratic reforms, noting the importance of holding multi-party presidential elections under the new constitution.

The transitional chapter of the constitution requires elections to be held by 10 October, with an independent interim elections commission due to come into place first.

We will establish a university:MDP

2008-08-02T22:24:00.001-07:00

The Main opposition MDP has said that they will be establishing the first university of Maldives when their government assumes duties from 11 November 2008. This was said by MDP's Parliamentary Leader Hassan Afeef when he spoke at a meeting held in honour of the visiting British conservative party member. Afeef said, there had been too much talk in presidential addresses and at the opening of the Majlis and now it is too late for President Gayoom's Government to seize this opportunity.

" Singapore attained independence with us. See the difference between our two countries. Singapore does not have that many resources., We are blessed with enormous marine resources, beautiful islands. But just see the vast difference between us. " comparing Singapore's dramatic development, Afeef said.

He questioned, what has the Government done with all the wealth it has earned. He agreed there is some development, but health services and living conditions should have been much better, Afeef said. When we are embracing change, everyone must think about this seriously, a change which has not happened in 30 years cannot be achieved in 5 years, Afeef warned. He asked the people to think carefully when they vote for a president.

Afeef went on to say Maldivian people are not benefiting from the wealth of the nation although the GDP is high and MDP will ensure the wealth of the nation is fairly distributed and people enjoy a better life under an MDP lead Government. He assured that they will provide imroved health and education in the country. MDP does not want people to remain destitutes and go to neighbouring countries for every major treatment.

Majlis delegation attends 54th CPA meeting

2008-08-02T22:22:00.000-07:00

A delegation from the People's Majlis comprising of 2 Raa Atoll members, Ali Waheed and Ibrahim Shaheed Zaki and Secretary General of the Majlis Ahmed Mohamed is visiting Kuala Lumpur to attend the 54th Annual Meeting of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, CPA. The 10 day meeting will deliberate on issues of environment development and security and on widening the role of parliament in these matters.

Along side the main meeting, there will be a meeting for small states of the Commonwealth which will deal with sustainable development, water and waste management, conflicts of interest, corruption, and democratic elections.

The Maldives delegation to this meeting will be headed by Raa member Shaheed Zaki who will make a presentation at the meeting. " We will present a paper at the meeting. Conflict of interest, corruption are major problems facing the region. We have highlighted on the situation of these problems in our country. We have also looked at ways of countering these problems." Saheed Zaki told Miadhu daily before leaving for the meeting. Maldives became a member of CPA in 2000.

Mohamed Shihab likely to be new Speaker

2008-08-02T22:20:00.000-07:00

When President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom ratifies the new Constitution on coming Thursday, 7 August, the People's Majlish will assume much wider responsibilities and powers including taking up some urgent transitional matters that have to be decided for the implementation of the Constitution. One of the big tasks of the Majlis would be to elect a Speaker and Deputy Speaker from among the members of the Majlis. Present Speaker Ahmed Zahir has done a superb job during the past 4 years. Zahir is a veteran parliamentarian who has a reputation of being one of the most vocal members famours for his oratary skills and eloquence. Zahir is appointed by the President and unless President freshly appoints him as a member, the Majlis cannot elect him under the new Constitution. There are rumours Zahir may soon be appointed a President's member so that he can be reelected as the Speaker for the remaing six months of the Majlis under the transitional provisions..Some analysts believe Zahir may be DRP's favoured candidate for the post and there is a strong possibility of getting the required majority for him with the support of other members.

There are rumours popular Male' member and former MDP senior member Mohamed Shihab is also vying for the high profile post. It appears, Shihab who has been a member of the Majlis for 25 and who is also a highly vocal and respected member may have a better chance to become the new Speaker. Although Shihab has recently resigned from MDP, he is popular with the opposition members and independents. Shihab has lost his Government job of Managing Director of Maldives Posts since assuming a proactive role in the opposition MDP two years ago. But after resigning from MDP, he has said he does not want join any parrties indicating his desire to remain independent.

Shihab's revered father late Ibrahim Shihab was also Speaker for several years and he was widely known as the golden tounge of Maldives for his extraordinary eloquence. Ibrahim Shihab was a much respected politician who held many powerful ministerial posts. He was one of the Vice Presidents during the last months of former President Ibrahim Nasir. Ibrahim Shihab was fallen out of President Gayoom's loyalists in the early part of Gayoom's presidency, but because of the superior brilliance of the veteran politician, Ibrahim Shihab soon became one of the senior ministers in Gayoom's cabinet.

More Cards On The Table As MDP Meets On Joint Candidate

2008-05-01T10:30:00.001-07:00

Mohamed Nasheed (Anni), presidential candidate for the largest opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), on Wednesday publicly said he was seeking to become the running mate of independent candidate Dr Hassan Saeed, who is running under the New Maldives banner.

Ahead of the MDP’s National Council meeting scheduled for Thursday night, Anni said that he believed Saeed “should be the candidate” for the National Unity Alliance of five opposition groups, and added: “We hope [the] Adhaalath [party] will support this combination.”

The pair have long been rumoured to be seeking a joint campaign. But on 29 April the Islamic Democratic Party (IDP) proposed finance minister Gasim Ibrahim as a potential Alliance candidate, despite his government position.

However MDP parliamentary group leader Hassan Afeef said he believed the MDP could secure support from “the majority of the Alliance” for the Saeed-Anni team.

Party Endorsement

Anni last week secured a landslide victory to become the MDP candidate, with 68 per cent of the party vote.

But he had campaigned heavily on an Alliance platform, leading to wide speculation he would seek a pairing with former attorney general Saeed – an idea believed to have boosted his support in Saeed’s home atoll of Addu.

The plan was not made public until Wednesday, when Anni said he was prepared to become Saeed’s running mate at a meeting in the party’s Harugé centre in Malé.

But the question of party endorsement remains. A proposal on the principle of a joint candidate has now been submitted to the MDP’s National Council, with a vote scheduled for Thursday night.

The proposal refers simply to “a joint candidate from within the Alliance”. Asked whether this ruled out Gasim, currently a vice-president of the ruling Dhivehi Raiyyithunge Party (DRP), Afeef said: “If Gasim remains in the DRP he will not be a presidential candidate – the best he could achieve would be a running mate position.”

But he added: “[Gasim] is a person who can understand what the people want and what the reformists are looking for.”

With the Alliance due to meet again next week on the issue, it appears doubtful a final conclusion will be reached by the MDP on Thursday.

And MDP spokespeople would not comment on the possibility of Gasim emerging as an opponent to Saeed and Anni.

Power Sharing

Details of a possible power-sharing arrangement for an Alliance coalition have yet to emerge, but Afeef and Anni said on Thursday they would expect member parties to gain cabinet positions “in proportion to their number of members”.

Asked where that would leave Saeed’s New Maldives colleagues Dr Ahmed Shaheed, given the unregistered movement has no official membership, the MDP leaders called for the former foreign minister to join their party.

“Dr Shaheed has the political insight for a cabinet portfolio. But if he doesn’t belong to a political party he doesn’t have a chance,” said Afeef.

Shaheed was travelling and unavailable for comment at the time of going to press.

Adhaalath Power

With at least six thousand members registered by the Elections Commission, and claiming it actually commands the support of 15,000 Maldivians, the backing of the religious Adhaalath party could be crucial to any Alliance or partial-Alliance candidate.

Adhaalath spokesman Shaheem Ali Said told Minivan News: “The Adhaalath cannot do anything without the MDP, and the MDP cannot do anything by themselves.”

Having declared the party will back another group’s candidate rather than field its own, a five-member Adhaalath committee has started considering the options, according to Shaheem.

But he warned: “If Hassan Saeed and Anni agree on their own sharing, then it is not Alliance.”

Cabinet positions would be secondary for Adhaalath, he added. “The main target is to show a good [candidate] to the people.”

Unacceptable?

Of the remaining Alliance members, the IDP has previously told local newspaper Miadhu it would find an Anni/Saeed team unacceptable.

And head of the Social Liberal Party Ibrahim Ismail (Ibra) has repeatedly said he does not support identifying a joint candidate at this stage.

New election regulations require that if no candidate secures more than 50 per cent of the vote initially, a second vote must be held between the two frontrunners. Ibra argues multiple candidates will increase turnout in the first round, meaning incumbent president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom could face a second round against a default opposition candidate.

Leader will win election regardless of running mate - Shafiu

2008-05-01T10:26:00.001-07:00

Chief Spokesperson of DRP Ibrahim Shafiu has said that President Gayoom will win the next presidential elections by 65% majority regardless of his choice of running mate. He made the statement to Miadhu Daily when asked to comment on the speculation of many political minded people of the general public that President Gayoom’s success in the forthcoming presidential elections depends on whom he choose to be his running mate.

Chief Spokesperson said that President Gayoom’s success has no relation to his running mate and that President Gayoom will win the first multiparty presidential elections to be held later this year will be won by 65% majority regardless of who of the running mate.

“In actual fact when you consider the support and affection the president has it makes no difference who the running mate is, he will win the top office even if there is no running mate, I have full confidence that President Gayoom will win by at least 65% even if he choose a man from the street as his running mate “ Shafiu said.
Shafiu further said election results will be affected depending on the running mate the President choose and that if the running mate is a person with good relations with the people the result would go up from 65% to 76%.

“One cannot say that success of President Gayoom in the next presidential elections depend on his running mate, considering the popularity of the President, but wining with a huge majority is entirely a different matter, President Gayoom’s choice of running mate can make a big difference and help the president win by landslide, the point I am making here is it does not matter who the running mate is, President has enough support to win this elections’ said Shaifu.

Despite Shafiu’s comments many feel that unless President Gayoom chose somebody like Finance Minister Qasim Ibrahim he will not win the elections.

Dr. Shaheed express doubts over Alliance ability to have a single candidate

2008-05-01T10:23:00.000-07:00

Dr. Ahmed Shaeed former Foreign Minister as well as the Chief Spokesperson of the National Unity Alliance has expressed doubts over the alliance ability to agree on a single candidate.

Dr. Shaheed said that there are major differences among the members of the alliance. “Individual parties should not attempting be attempting to take ownership of the Alliance, the biggest reason why the people hate the government is because some people have made it their own property” Dr. Shaheed said. He said the government that is going to be formed at this stage should be formed among majority of the parties.

“If the intentions are to work for the future benefits of the people then the government this going to formed should have the participation of the parties” said Dr. Shaheed. He further said the objective of the alliance is to introduce reform and that it can be achieved by an alliance of any group.

Dr. Shaheed and Islamic Democratic Party (IDP) are of the opinion that Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) must play a major role in bringing a single candidate to represent the Alliance. Vice President of IDP Mohamed Hassan Manik said that it is up to MDP to bring out a single candidate and that it was in the hands of the National Council of MDP.

Dr. Shaheed said that MDP’s role on the issue is important simply because MDP is main opposition party and if the Alliance is to bring out side MDP then the opportunit

IDP propose Qasim as Alliance candidate

2008-04-30T00:20:00.001-07:00

Islamic Democratic Party (IDP) has proposed Finance Minister Qasim Ibrahim as the presidential candidate of the Alliance to compete against president Gayoom in the forthcoming presidential elections scheduled for later this year. The proposal came at the meeting of the Alliance held yesterday.

Speaking at the meeting President of IDP said that if the Alliance is considering to have a candidate out side the Alliance then the candidate must have the capacity and ability to defeat President Gayoom and that IDP proposes Finance Minister Qasim Ibrahim to that candidate. Umar also proposed that if candidate is to be elected within the Alliance then a primary election should be held. Umar informed that although a decision was not reached at yesterday’s meeting, the Alliance did not reject IDP’s proposals. Further Miadhu Daily also learnt that MDP president Dr. Munavavar informed the Alliance that the matter of Alliance being represented by candidate outside MDP needs to be addressed first at the party’s National Council.

Attempts made by Miadhu Daily to contact the Spokesperson of the Alliance Dr. Ahmed Shaheed to obtain more information on the meeting proved futile. However speaking to Miadhu Daily on an earlier occasion Dr. Shaheed has said that to have an outside candidate was not acceptable.

Leader of Social Liberal Party (SLP) Ibrahim Ismail (Ibra) speaking at a news conference has said that the comments made some politicians in the name of Alliance were not true and that the Alliance has not reached a decision on its candidate.

Speaking at the news conference Ibra condemned that the claims made by some politicians, in the name of the Alliance, that the next government would be formed by a specific party. He also said that those claims that international community prefers a single candidate to represent the alliance are also simply not true.

According to Ibra the objective of the Alliance was to introduce some changes to the political arena but that what he is now seeing is that some politicians attempting to achieve other objectives rather than what the Alliance was established for. He said if any one of the five which forms the Alliance breaks away then it will no longer be called an Alliance.

HRCM Will Not Observe Presidential Elections

2008-04-29T09:49:00.000-07:00

The Human Rights Commission (HRCM) has decided not to send observers to the Maldives’ first multi-party presidential elections, expected later this year.

Commissioner Mariyam Azra Ahmed said the decision had been taken because “other human rights commissions do not observe elections”.

The HRCM sent ten observers to last year’s referendum on form of government, in which Maldivians chose a presidential over a parliamentary system. It judged the referendum to be “generally fair”.

Former foreign minister Dr Ahmed Shaheed, who recently set up the organisation Maldives Election Watch to “be vigilant over any moves to prevent free and fair elections”, said the decision was “very disappointing and very strange”.

The HRCM will be involved to the extent of “see[ing] that all individuals receive the right to vote,” said Azra. But the nature of its involvement will not be determined until June.

Assistant director general Mohamed Tholal, of the Elections Commission, said the body had not yet invited any observers to attend the elections, as a date has not been set.

Recently passed transitional material in the constitution in progress specifies elections must be held by 10 October 2008, though the elections commission – due to become independent within 30 days of ratification of the constitution – must set a date.

But the foreign ministry has invited international bodies such as the European Union (EU) to observe, with the EU pledging a “technical team” of up to four members, and the Commonwealth saying details of its involvement have not yet been confirmed.

The HRCM’s verdict on last August’s referendum was that the poll had been “generally fair,” despite claims by the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) that the vote was rigged.

In its press release on the referendum, the HRCM said “few complaints of bribing, intimidation, use of influence and other such cases in breach of the regulations… were received.”

But it also said there were areas in need of improvement, such as “a more open and transparent approach...during the process of casting and counting the ballots”, and the “involve[ment of] all political parties”.

Before it became independent under the Human Rights Commission Act, the HRCM judged parliamentary elections held in January 2005 to be “not in general free, fair or without undue influence”, though its findings were dismissed by the Maldivian government at that time.

The HRCM has now been “advised” election observation does not fall within its mandate, according to Azra.

Ibra to commence campaign visits to atolls

2008-04-29T09:48:00.001-07:00

Leader of Social Liberal Party (SLP) Ibrahim Ismail (Ibra) who has launched his presidential campaign at ceremony held at Dharubaaruge last March has said that he will commence his campaign trips to atolls on the 4 th of next month. Ibra made the statement speaking at a news conference held at newsroom “Fansavees” of Dharubaargue.

Ibra said that he will initially be visiting northern atolls and that he will be returning after visiting all the inhabited islands of the northern atolls. He said before returning he will pass on his message to the people. He said he is starting the after completion of all the work at the Drafting Committee as promised.

Leader of Social Liberal Party Ibra said that no body can win any election without a campaign. Responding to comments of some parties that campaigning is being carried out in violation of pertinent regulations Ibra said if it is an offense then the matter should be taken to courts and that he was ready for it.

Dr. Hassan & Anni to represent Alliance

2008-04-29T09:47:00.000-07:00

Reliable sources confirm that the National Unity Alliance is bringing out former Attorney General Dr. Hassan Saeed and former chairperson of MDP Mohamed Nasheed (Anni) who won the party’s presidential primary on the 25 of this month as Alliance’s candidates for the forthcoming presidential elections scheduled for later this year.

A person having connections with Alliance and well acquainted with the thinking of the Alliance informed that although no official decisions has been reached, an understanding has been reached between Anni and Dr. Hassan Saeed. According to the agreement Dr. Hassan Saeed is going to be the presidential candidate of the Alliance and MDP presidential candidate Anni will be the running mate reports the person. Attempts made by Maidhu Daily to confirm the story by contacting either of the candidate or the Spokesperson of the Alliance Dr. Shaheed proved unsuccessful.

However Umar Naseer leader of Islamic Democratic Party (IDP) one of the parties forming the alliance said that so far no discussion has been held on the subject. He said however a meeting has been scheduled for today. He also said the candidates mentioned by the reliable source were not acceptable.

“No discussions has been held on the subject of candidates, however there is a meeting scheduled for today, the pair mentioned in the information received to Miadhu Daily is not acceptable to IDP” said Umar Naseer President of IDP.

Despite Umar’s views the reliable source confirmed that although some parties within the alliance may not agree on the pair, they will be coming out to stand presidential elections with the other parties that agree on them and that the pair will be seen in the presidential race.

The question now is will the pair, Dr. Hassan and Anni be accepted by the Maldivian people and will they have the capacity to defeat President Gayoom who has been in power for the last 3 decades. Many consider Dr. Hassan as relatively new but capable politician and Anni as a well experienced political activist.

However supporters of President Gayyom say that the President Gayoom has the capacity and experience to defeat anybody that challenge him. What ever it may be the next presidential election is certainly going to be very competitive.

Past actions was based on informed decisions - Anni

2008-04-28T10:36:00.000-07:00

Presidential Candidate of Maldivian Democratic Party Mohamed Nasheed (Anni) has revealed that as a politician he was fully aware of what he was doing and what ever he did in the past was carried out with the advice and guidance of other well experienced sources. Anni made the statement speaking on HFM “Jadhalu” (challenge) program when asked when asked whether his actions were based on informed decisions in the past.

Speaking on Jadhalu program of HFM Anni said that if one is to look back there is always the chance to feel that something could have been done better but that his past actions were always based on well informed decisions and that he was fully aware of what was doing at all times. He further said that there is simply no reason for anybody to believe that some of his actions were done unknowingly. When asked by a listener whether he believed that MDP primary elections was conducted as per democratic principles Anni replied that following established election procedures means following democratic principles.

In response to the claims that in the recent MDP primary election held last Friday some supporters were actively seeking support for a specific candidate while the election was going on Anni said that the election regulation do not state when the campaign should be stopped and that some members are finding it difficult to accept it the way t results turned out. When asked whether he believed that the rally of November 10, 2007 which called for the completion of constitutional reform was a success for him against MDP parliamentary group, Anni said that it was a success for the entire party.

He said when MDP declared that the constitution to be completed by November 10, Majlis endorsed to complete the constitutional reform by 30 November. He further said it was only after the rally that Majlis agreed on a transitional process. When asked whether there was any legal restriction that would prevent him from running for presidency later in the year Anni replied that he do not believe that there was any. He said some constitutional experts as well as the president of the Religious Council of MDP are of the opinion that he has not committed a crime that would prevent him standing elections.

When asked what was the secret of his success in the presidential primary Anni replied that 50% of his success can be attributed to his stand on the Alliance. He also said other reasons for his victory was his long and hard struggle to introduce reform without losing focus and his scientific style of campaigning.

Alliance candidate need not be from MDP- Umar

2008-04-28T10:35:00.000-07:00

Umar Naseer, President of Islamic Democratic Party (IDP) as well as the party’s presidential candidate has said that the candidate to represent the national Unity Alliance (NUA) does not necessarily have to be from the Alliance. Referring to statements from some MDP officials that the candidate to represent the Alliance has to be MDP Candidate Umar said that the alliance candidate does not necessarily have to be Mohamed Nasheed (Anni) or Dr. Hassan Saeed. He further said if the Alliance agrees on a candidate out side the Alliance who has the capacity to defeat the President Gayoom in the forthcoming presidential elections then all the parties and organizations forming the alliance will have to accept it.

“The Alliance candidate does not have to be Anni or Dr. Hassan or even me, if the Alliance agrees on a candidate outside the Alliance who has the capacity and capability to defeat President Gayoom then it has to be accepted. Isn’t that democracy” said Umar. In addition Umar said that it should not be the intention of the Alliance to seek the support for candidate of a specific party but the Allaince should be concentrating on electing a capable and a strong candidate who has the capacity to defeat President Gayoom. He further said even MDP should not entertain that concept and that the Alliance has no obligation to agree on MDP candidate.

No decision will be taken without Munavvar’s advice - Anni

2008-04-26T00:33:00.000-07:00

Speaking at kalaafaanu School immediately after the release of the preliminary results of MDP presidential Primary Mohamed Nasheed (Anni) who won the presidential primary by a landslide majority said that he will not make any decision with first consulting the party President Dr. Mohamed Munavvar.

Anni who has a comfortable lead in the preliminary results said that he fully supports the exemplary manner and example shown by the other 2 candidates. He also assured the members that he would easily win the forthcoming presidential elections. He further said he has no doubts of Dr. Munavvar’s support and confidence. He also thanked Reeco Moosa Manik for his hard work to complete the constitutional reform. He also thanked and welcomed Maria Ahmed Didi who just won the party chairpersonship.

Addressing members Anni said MDP has now come of age and that the coming November will usher an MDP government.

Speaking at Kalaafaanu School Dr. Munavvar said he was satisfied with the way the elections went and welcomed both Anni and Maria for their success in the elections. He also offered his gratitude to all those who supported him and assured the members his desire to continue with managing the party as its President.

Reeco Moosa Manik who contested in the primary said that he can only sleep properly after removing President Gayoom from power. He thanked Dr. Munavvar and Nasheed (Anni) who both contested in the presidential primary. He welcomed Maria and congratulated her success. Offering his gratitude to all the members who supported him Reeco Moosa Manik called on members to cast their votes in the forthcoming presidential elections in the same manner as they just did.

Both Maria and Nazim who contested in election for party chairpersonship thanked all members who voted for them.

Maria said MDP is now entering a new phase of democracy.

Mariya is the new Chairperson of MDP

2008-04-26T00:29:00.000-07:00

Male' - 02:45 - Mariya has won the MDP chairperson's election and her contender Nazim has congratulated Mariya over the resounding victory she attained.

Anni wins the MDP presidential primary

2008-04-26T00:27:00.000-07:00

Male' - 02:51 - Anni thanked his contenders for their professional campaigns and said that their aim had always been to bring democracy. "This is a win for all of us. We are all winners," Anni said in his acceptance speech. Anni also said that he looks forward to working with Dr. Munavvar, who is the President of MDP. He also paid tribute to Reeko Moosa and congratulated him for his efforts to bring democracy to the Maldives. Specifically Anni highlighted Moosa's courageous performances in the parliament. Anni also thanked Gogo Latheef for his services to the party. He also thanked the media for their effort in covering the election and concluded his speech by stating that Gayyoom will be replaced.

Male' - 02:49 - Contenders Dr. Munavvar and Reeko Moosa have conceded defeat gracefully and congratulated the winner, Anni. Both candidates thanked their supporters and all those who participated in the election.

Male' - 02:45 - According to the initial votes counted and exit polls, MDP's presidential primary winner will be Mohamed Nasheed, Anni, the former chairperson of MDP and founding member of the party. After nearly 91 of the ballot boxes counted, Anni has reportedly secured more than 65%, whilst the runner up Dr. Munavvar managed to secure 26% and Moosa secured 9%. These results are the initial count. The official count announced at around 2:00am are as follows: Anni 3275 (69%), Munavvar 718 (21%) and Moosa 528 (10%). The trend is set to continue and as per the official preliminary results, Anni performed extremely well in almost all areas, including Addu Atoll. Official preliminary results are expected within the next few hours according to election officials.

Counting is continues initial results gives Anni a clear lead

2008-04-25T10:33:00.001-07:00

Male' - 22:15 - Counting of the boxes in Male' at Kalaafaanu School has begun. Exit figures indicate that more than 2641 votes were cast there.

Male' - 22:00 - Counting of the votes has begun and preliminary results for some 15 boxes have been announced already. Currently, Anni leads with 411 votes, to Dr. Munavvar 129 and Reeko Moosa 86.

Preliminary results to be revealed within 18 hours - MDP

2008-04-25T10:32:00.001-07:00

According to Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) the preliminary results of the 2 party elections held today (presidential primary election and party chairpersonship election) will be released within 18 hours and final results will be made public within 14 days.

MDP had earlier revealed that 30,000 ballot papers have been printed. According to the party the number of eligible voters for the 2 elections are 20,958 and the number of valid proxy are 238. A total of 81 ballot boxes have been positioned in 80 islands.

“Ballot boxes will be positioned in 6 resorts , 3 industrial sites will also be provided with ballot boxes, 7 ballot boxes for Male’ residents,20 boxes will placed for islanders residing in Male’, total number of ballot boxes will be provided 117 and total number of ballots released so far is 8650” revealed MDP.

MDP informed that in Male’ ballot boxes will be positioned at Kalaafaanu School and that a box for each of the 4 wards of Male’ will placed at Kalaafaanu School. MDP further informed that a box for those members on Special Register of Male’ Municipality will also be placed at Kalaafaanu School in addition a box at Villingili and one box at Hulhumale’ is to be positioned.

According to Dr. Ibrahim Didi the election scheduled to commence at 1400 hours this afternoon would be held in a manner which would be open and transparent. He said the election held at a cost of Rf.400, 000 can challenge the national elections organized by the Elections Commissioner.

When asked by a member of press as to why names of deceased people are included in the eligible voter list, Dr. Didi replied that MDP cannot be blamed as these names were provided by the Commissioner. MDP also revealed that 135 reporters will act as observers. Further MDP informed that white ballot papers will be used for presidential primary elections and yellow will be for party chairperson.

Further MDP informed that white ballot papers will be used for presidential primary elections and yellow will be for party chairperson. MDP presidential primaries are contested by 3 candidates, namely party president Dr. Mohamed Munavvar , Ricco Moosa Manik MP for Laamu Atoll and former chairperson of the party Moahmed Nasheed (Anni). Party Chairpersonship is being contested by Maria Ahmed Didi and Bounty Nazim.

MDP to be restructured to reflect presidential system - Maria

2008-04-25T10:31:00.001-07:00

Member of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) parliamentary group as well as MP for Kaafu Atoll, Maria Ahmed Didi, competing to win the MDP Chairpersonship has declared that certain changes will be necessary to the structure of the party due to the adoption of the presidential system of government by the people. She said so while speaking to members of the press at a news conference held yesterday at the newsroom “Fansavees” of Dharubaaruge.

Maria said that there were many tasks that need to be implemented when facing the powerful position of Chairperson of the main opposition party with a strong tradition of internal democracy. She said among the tasks that needs to carried out are the changes to the party structure due to the adoption of the presidential system of government.

“Changes to party structure are necessary due to the adoption of the presidential system of government, changes will come through the party system” said Maria.

Maria said she is contesting party chairpersonship with a strong resolve and determination and what ever the pressure and adverse comments her resolve will not be affected. She further said even if she is not elected, she will always be seen in the front ranks of the party.

Providing her opinion on the proxy votes, Maria said she will welcome proxy votes and that if she does not welcome it, it will be an undemocratic attitude. The other candidate contesting party chairpersonship is party activist Mohamed Nazim.

MDP Presidential Primary News Coverage

2008-04-25T10:27:00.001-07:00

Male' - 20:23 - Voting is still going strong in Kalaafaanu School in Male'. Turn out seems quite high. Most people seemed to have turned up to vote towards late afternoon. Old, and young, men and women, they came to exercise their democratic right in the first and free Presidential Primary ever to be held in the Maldives by any political party.
Some complaints were received about missing names from the electoral list but on the whole most people seem quite satisfied with the way things are going. People waited patiently in long queues inside the hall and outside.
Currently the crowd is thinning out as the voting is scheduled to close at 9 pm.

Male' - 15:15 - Voting is going well and with enthusiasm, according to reports. A political analyst stated "patient and orderly the people are waiting in queues in Kalafanu School. The hall itself was packed. This is the epitome of democracy in the Maldives. Irrespective of who they voted, they all had one thing in common- they all want to get rid of the dictator (Golhaabo)."
Hinnavaru - 15:00 - Voting began at 14:00 as planned and going smoothly.
Male' - 15:00 - Candidates Reeko Moosa and Anni has voted in Male'.
Male' - 14:15 - Lhaviyani and Fuahmulah stations now opened. Anni waiting in the Galolhu station to vote.
Male' - 14:00 - Polling begins to elect MDP's presidential candidate. All Male' boxes opened in addition to some island boxes stationed in Male' at Kalaafaanu School. No one at the Lhaviyani desk and some members are complaining.
Male' - 13:50 - If you have a proxy you can only vote at the proxy table. Do not go to any other table then you cannot vote for your proxy.
Male' - 13:45 - Anni's camp is in Dharubaaruge and have assigned a desk for each Atoll and will conduct entry polls.

Special Majlis: Transitional Chapter completed

2008-04-21T11:03:00.001-07:00

In the ongoing voting on the member submitted proposals to the Transitional Chapter (TC) at the Special Majlis , opposition members yesterday expressed their deep dissatisfaction and anger over the proposal number 32 proposed by MP for Mulaku Atoll as well as Minister at the President’s Office Aneesa Ahmed seconded by President’s member Mohamed Anil.

The Majlis session held yesterday was dominated by raising of points of orders. Before the break time opposition members by raising points of orders repeatedly said that the proposal number 32 submitted by MP Aneesa Ahmed was directly against the principles of the constitution that is undergoing amendment. Opposition members pointed out their dissatisfaction on the wordings of the clause (b) of the proposal number 32. Clause (b) of proposal 32 states that “until such time as presidential elections are held and President is elected and assumes office under this constitution, the cabinet to be appointed shall be the cabinet in force when this constitution came in to force. In this regard during the transitional stage clause (d) of article 4 of chapter on People’s Majlis of this constitution and clause (c) of article one of the chapters on the Cabinet of this constitution will not be acted up on”.

Opposition Members by raising points of orders argued that the inclusion of cabinet ministers in the people’s Majlis during the transitional stage is contradictory to what is stated in the revised constitution.

Speaker of the Special Majlis responding to the members said that proposal was submitted to the session after the unofficial meeting held last Thursday and with the amendments agreed at the meeting. However opposition members, independent members and some members of People’s Association by taking points of orders insisted that the amendment to the proposal 32 does not bring make any substantial change and that the amendment in essence is more or less same to what was proposed.

MP for Thaa Atoll Hassan Afeef taking a point of order pointed out that even though Aneesa’s proposal now has some extra clauses included, the proposal is more or less the same and has no major changes. He further said that this was an attempt to mislead and cause confusion. MP for Raa Atoll Shaheen Hameed too said that the inclusion of cabinet ministers in the Majlis during the transitional stage is contradictory to the revised constitution.

PA’s President Abdulla Yamin speaking on the proposal of Aneesa said that it cannot be put to vote and that it contradicts some of the basic principles of the system of government chosen by the people, the presidential system. He said that this proposal is a good one and that it will diminish the pwers of the constitution. He further said the proposal will demolish the foundation of democratic system of government chosen by the people.

As opposition members opposed the proposal number 32, DRP members and members supporting the government offered their full support to the proposal. In this regard presidents member Fathin Hameed, MP for Addu Atoll Ibrahim Shareef ( Mavota), MP for Ha. Atoll Ahmed Muiz, MP for Gdh. Atoll Abbas Ibrahim stated that there is no reason why Aneesa’s proposal cannot be put to vote and that it does not contradict the revised constitution.

Legal Reform Minister Mohamed Nasheed stated that majority of the members are reaching a agreement to revise proposal number 32 and that during the break time MP Aneessa will work to finalize the amendment.

After the break speaker Gasim Ibrahim commenced voting on the proposal submitted by members to the transitional chapter. How ever he did not call for vote on Aneesa’s proposal. Instead he called for vote on proposal 36 and 35 which was passed by the Majlis. After which Speaker then called for vote on proposal 32. Proposal number 32 was put to vote with the amendment reached during break time as mentioned earlier by Minister Nasheed. Amended proposal of Aneesa disregards the exceptions called for in the earlier proposal.

Clause (a) of amended proposal voted on by members’ states that until such time as the first presidential elections be held under this constitution and a president elected and until he assumes office, the president in office at the time of this constitution came in force, shall remain office.

Clause (b) states that until such time as presidential elections are held and President is elected and assumes office under this constitution, the cabinet to be appointed shall be the cabinet in force when this constitution came in to force.
Clause (c) states that states that cabinet appointed after the first presidential elections held under this constitution shall not include Members of the Majlis.

At this stage opposition members requested points of orders which speaker denied. The opposition members then started shouting and some members even stood up. Despite opposition members protests speaker Gasim continued calling for vote on proposal number 32 which was eventually passed with 61 votes in favor.

Some opposition members walked up to the front row and criticized speaker. During this destruction MP for L. Atoll was asked to leave the Majlis for disobeying speaker’s orders. Subsequently Majlis was interrupted for 10 minutes. After the Majlis resumed members again started taking points of orders. They questioned speaker whether he had announced announce MP Reeko Moosa’s Name three times and asked the speaker to check it. They argued that the chair did not announce Moosa’s Named thrice. The session yesterday concluded at this stage.

Before concluding yesterday session Speaker Qasim revealed that the date when the next Majlis session would be informed later.

No plans to be a Minister for long time - Nasheed

2008-04-21T11:02:00.003-07:00

Minister of Legal Reform Information and Arts Mohamed Nasheed has said that he has no plans to remain as a cabinet minister for a long period of time. Minister Nasheed made the statement speaking on HFM radio last night.

Minister Nasheed said that he was in the cabinet to assist a specific person to implement the reform agenda and that once the job is done he will return to where he came from. He said even if President Gayoom wins another term, he has no plans to remain as a minister and that once the reform agenda is complete he will return to where he was before.

Speaking on his political future Minister Nasheed further said he does not believe that the present freedom of press is due to any work carried out by group of reporters or by any other organization. He further said that he did not receive a single proposal from any reporter or an individual or a specific organization towards opening up the media.

Minister Nasheed was appointed as Minister of Legal Reform Information and Arts on 31 October 2007. Till then he served as Minister of Information and Arts. He was appointed to the cabinet on 14 July 2005.

Minister Nasheed was regarded as the champion of the recently gained press freedom when he facilitated all the news papers and magazines that were denied registration previously.

Next presidential election scheduled for 10 Oct. 2008

2008-04-21T11:02:00.001-07:00

Special Majlis yesterday endorsed to hold the next presidential elections on the 10 of October 2008.

As part of the ongoing voting on transitional chapter at the Special Majlis, a proposal submitted by MP for Mulaku Atoll Aneesa Ahmed and supported by President’s Member Mohamed Anil on presidential election was endorsed yesterday. The proposal stated that next presidential elections should be held before 10 October 2008.

Clause (a) of this proposal on presidential election stated that the first presidential elections to be held under this constitution should be held before 10 October 2008 and Clause (b) of this article says that the president elected under clause (a) shall assume office before 11 November 2008. The proposal was endorsed with 80 votes in favor. Although no member voted against 7 members voted neutral.

Majlis yesterday also passed to hold the first parliamentary elections under the constitution before 31 March 2009. Clause (a) of proposal on parliamentary elections submitted by Aneesa Ahmed says that first parliamentary elections held under this constitution should be held prior to 31 March 2009. Clause (b) of this proposal says that the Parliament elected as per clause (a) of this proposal must hold its first session prior to 1of May 2009. The proposal was passed with 78 votes in favor. One member voted against while 8 members voted neutral.

The controversial proposal of MP Aneesa Ahmed, proposal number 32 which caused a lot of arguments and disruptions yesterday was also passed. Clause (a) of the proposal number 32 proposed by Aneesa and supported by Mohamed anil states that until such time as the first presidential elections be held under this constitution and a president elected and until he assumes office, the president in office at the time of this constitution came in force, shall remain office.

Clause (b) of proposal 32 states that “until such time as presidential elections are held and President is elected and assumes office under this constitution, the cabinet to be appointed shall be the cabinet in force when this constitution came in to force. In this regard during the transitional stage clause (d) of article 4 of chapter on People’s Majlis of this constitution and clause (c) of article one of the chapters on the Cabinet of this constitution will not be acted up on. The president has the authority to make bring ay changes to the cabinet”.

Clause (c) of the proposal states that cabinet appointed after the first presidential elections held under this constitution shall not include Members of the Majlis.

Dr. Hassan is back in Male’

2008-04-21T11:01:00.003-07:00

Dr. Hassan Saeed has returned to Male’ after completing a campaign tour of North Maldives.

Former Attorney General Dr. Hassan Saeed who has revealed his presidential bid returned Male’ from Hdh Hanimaadhoo. Dr. Ahmed Shaheed Spokesperson for Dr. Hassan said that the rally held at Hanimaadhoo by Dr. Hassan was very successful and that a lot of people attended the rally. Dr. Shaheed said as per information from the people of the island approximately 50 people would attend a meeting in that island but that at Dr. Hassan’s rally the hall was full and that people even had to wait out side in the court yard.

“Some people expressed their dissatisfaction over the recent appointment of some ministers and also on the retirement notices given to 56 year old people, apparently notices were given to specific people, this goes to show that that there is no standard. Many are afraid to come out and speak to politicians but we are saying that there is no reason why they should be afraid” said Dr. Shaheed.

When asked to comment on the awareness of the people and their state of readiness for the forthcoming elections Dr. Shaheed replied that judging from the experiences of the recent visit the people of the north are well informed very ready for the elections. Dr. Shaheed said the people of these islands had many questions on the elections. In particular the people wanted know whether the forthcoming presidential elections would be free and fair. Dr. Shaheed further said north experience shows the people definitely want a change. Dr. Shaheed further said Dr. Hassan’s manifesto was well received.

MDP led alliance is confident of wining - Anni

2008-04-21T11:01:00.001-07:00

Mohamed Nasheed (Anni) former chairperson of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has said that an MDP led alliance is confident of defeating President Gayoom in the forthcoming presidential elections and that he can already see 70,000 votes being received. He made the statement speaking at primary campaign rally held at Fuvahmulah last night.

Speaking at the rally in Fuvahmulah, Anni said that President Gayoom for the last 30 years had used his third hand to accomplish anything and everything and that this third hand can be seen as President Gayoom’s campaign logo. He said that it will be easy for MDP led alliance to win the presidential race against a person who has sustained his rule by utilizing the third hand. He further provided examples of how 70,000 votes will be received.

Anni said that the most important thing MDP led alliance should do to win the presidential election is to give love and respect to DRP members and other people who have yet not joined any party. In addition Anni said the DRP is the party which strived hard to introduce the democratic system of government and that the world has yet to see a democratic system where the party leader automatically becomes the presidential candidate without having to compete in a primary.

As part of his primary campaign Anni last Sunday night held a rally in Hithadhoo of Addu atoll as well.

MDP starts sending ballot boxes to atolls

2008-04-21T11:00:00.001-07:00

Presidential Primary Committee of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has revealed that the ballot boxes to be used in the primary elections are on their way to the atolls.

Vice Chairman of the Presidential Primary Committee Ubaidhulla Muaz ballot boxes for the primary election has been dispatched to 3 islands of the Shaviyani Atoll and that the ballot boxes to the atolls will dispatched on different dates to different atolls. He said this is due to the transport arrangements and that all ballot boxes will be positioned one day ahead of the election date.

“The way our schedule is, we are dispatching the boxes to different directions every day, at present we have dispatched 3 boxes, and 6 is to be sent today (last Thursday), those islands which can be reached by flight we will dispatch the boxes by flight, we have a tight program on 21, 22, 23 these days, but we will position all boxes one day ahead of the election day” said Ubaidulla.

Ubaidulla revealed that ballot boxes are already in Feevah, Magoodhoo and Kaditheemu of Shaviyani atoll. Ubaidulla also said that 117 ballot boxes will positioned in 86 islands. He further said ballot boxes will also be kept in 6 resorts and 3 industrial islands.

MDP primary election is scheduled for the 25 of April.

IDP responds to DRP allegations of illegal campaigning

2008-04-21T10:59:00.002-07:00

Islamic Democratic Party (IDP) has responded to statement issued by Dhivehi Rahyithunge Party (DRP) which stated that ongoing campaigning to win the forthcoming presidential election is illegal. The statement said that ongoing presidential campaign activities carried out by political parties as well as private individuals intending to stand elections is directly against Clause (a) of article 9 of Law No. 1/ 98 “ Law on Presidential Elections”.

Vice president of IDP Mohamed Hassan Manik said that he cannot understand the reasons for such a statement. He indicated that even President Gayoom, Leader of DRP too is engaged in campaign activities. He said the fact that Rajje Daily a local newspaper had a picture of President Gayoom with his campaign logo, an open palm, and words Maumoon 2008 - DRP Presidential Candidate is proof that President Gayoom is indeed carrying out campaigning as opposed to claims made by DRP. DRP had said that the party will only carry out campaigning when the opportunity to do so is opened by the Elections Commissioner.

Mohamed Hassan Manik said that if campaigning is to be made illegal then there is no point in having political parties. He said if political parties are legalized then it should be legal for parties to carry out political activites.

DRP informs that the party will carry out campaigning within the boundaries of the constitution. In this regard DRP says that all political activities carried out by political parties must be within the boundaries of the constitution.

According to the statement ongoing presidential campaign activities carried out by political parties as well as private individuals intending to stand elections is directly against Clause (a) of article 9 of Law No. 1/ 98 “ Law on Presidential Elections”.

The article says that a presidential candidate can only carry out campaign activities after he is elected by the People’s Majlis to stand a general election by the people to ascertain whether that person elected by the Majlis is acceptable to the people to be the president. DRP say the most important aspect of a person standing elections to be the president must always abide by the constitution in force at the time and that the general public should be concerned with such people who disregard the law.

National Alliance to be registered in the next 2 months

2008-04-21T10:59:00.001-07:00

Dr. Musthafa Luthfy a former cabinet minister and key person engaged in registration of a political party under the name of National Alliance has revealed that necessary documents will be submitted along with 3000 signatures within the next 2 months. He made the statement in a special exclusive given to Miadhu Daily from Hdh Kulhudhuhfushi where he said he was in final stages of obtaining the required 3000 signatures required for the registration.

“We are working on obtaining the required 3000 signatures, we are now in the final stages, we are confident that we can obtain the registration within the next two months. It is not our style to send representatives to meet those interested in joining the party, we will go to them and explain what is in the party manifesto and listen to their views and hold discussions; that is why it is taking some time” said Dr. Musthafa in his exclusive given to Miadhu Daily.

Speaking to Miadhu Daily from Kulhudhufushi Dr. Luthufy said people of Kulhudhufushi have high political awareness and that the people are being very supportive. He further said island of Kulhudhufushi is not an island that is new to the party.
According to sources the Alliance team went to Hdh Kuludhufushi on the 18 of this month and is expected to return to Male’ on the 24 of this month.

Commissioner of Elections as per Political Party Regulation 2005 authorized to carry out necessary work for the registration of National Alliance on the 25 of December 2007.

Anni says MDP led alliance will double the revenue from fisheries

2008-04-21T10:58:00.000-07:00

Former Chairperson of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Mohamed Nasheed (Anni) competing in the presidential primary of the party has said that in a government led by an MDP alliance , the revenue earned from the fishing industry would be increased by twofold. He made the statement at a primary campaign held at Seenu Hithadhoo last night.

Speaking at the rally Anni said the aim of a government led by an MDP led alliance will be to increase revenue earned by fisher folks. He said if the fishermen earn Rf. 11 or Rf.12 thousand the aim of the government led by an MDP alliance would be to increase that amount to Rf. 24 to Rf.25 thousand.

“In 1989 only STO was authorized to export dry fish, when STO had the monopoly on the export they were buying a kilo of fish at Rf. 7 , but when the business was opened up to competition the price has changed to Rf.40 per kilo. In 1989 only FPID was allowed to export frozen fish , then a kilo of fish stood at Rf.1.25 or Rf.2. but when the business was opened up a kilo now stands at Rf.7.” said Anni speaking at Seenu Atoll Hithadhoo Muhibuhdheen School.

According to Anni the rewards of the fishing industry should be proportional to the fish price at world market. He said just as the pristine beaches of this country became the goose that lay the golden egg when the industry was connected to international market fishing industry too should be connected to international market to obtain high rewards.

“The beaches of this country became the goose that lay a golden egg when the beaches were connected to European markets, when our fishing grounds are connected to European markets then we will obtain good rewards, currently Male’ is the only port where yellow fins can be exported, we can easily make Gan International Airport a place where yellow fins that are bought from 3 Southern atolls can be exported, we provide the necessary machinery and skills to the people through bank loans and so forth” said Anni.

Anni further said this not something that is hard to achieve. He said if the people are determined enough it can be achieved easily. He said he will work his best to increase the earning of the fisher folks in a government led by an MDP alliance.

Sp. Majlis in chaos when annulment of constitution is passed

2008-04-14T01:27:00.003-07:00

Drama unfolded at the Special Majlis yesteday when it passed to annul the constitution currently in force in the ongoing endorsements of articles of the transitional chapter. When the Special Majlis passed to annul the 1998 constitution disagreements among members erupted resulting in heated debates and series of points of orders being taken.

The article which was the main cause of the disagreements was proposal 20. Clause (b) of the proposal subtitled “entry into force” states that the day this constitution comes in to force, the constitution of the Republic of Maldives which has been in force since I January 1998 will be annulled.

The first to protest by taking point of order was MP for Male’ Ibrahim Ismail as well as the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Special Majlis. Ibra raised the point of order and protested when the Chair was about to call for vote on article 24. According to Ibra with the Majlis endorsement of the clause (b) of proposal 20, the president, the cabinet, the people’s Majlis and other constitutionally empowered institutions will lose legal authority. Ibra said this will eventually lead to country going ashtray.

Responding to Ibra’s comments Legal Reform Minister Mohamed Nasheed said Ibra’s remarks do not have any weight. He said the legal authority of the government would not cease to exist even though clause (b) of proposal 20 is passed. Legal Reform Minister pointed out if the current constitution is not annulled when the revised constitution comes in to force, then 2 constitutions will be in force at the same time and will be a constant contradiction to each other.

Deputy Speaker of the Majlis Shaheen Hameed also raised a point of order and supported Minister Nasheed. Shaheen also stated that article 24 can be put to vote despite Ibra saying it cannot be done.

Ibra raising point of order for a second time strongly criticized Shaheen’s and Nasheed’s comments. At this point opposition members by taking points of orders joined in to support Ibra.

Tensions increased in the Majlis when MP for Baa Atoll Ali Faiz used a point of order to openly criticize Minister Nasheed. MP Faiz said that Minister Nasheed has a forked tongue. With MP Faiz verbally attacking Minister Nasheed, Minister Nasheed too responded strongly and was seen waiving his arms and shouting. Both men were ardently defending their points of views. However when MP for Laamu Atoll Recco Moosa using a point of order criticized Minister Nasheed , Minister Nasheed also responded and defended his point. Speaker Qasim announced the end of yesterday’s morning session when argument between Ricco Moosa and Nasheed was going on.

At yesterday’s session voting was called for member proposals which were agreed upon at unofficial meetings. Speaker Qsasim did not ask for vote on proposal 17 as it includes a clause which contradicts the constitution. However proposal 2 to proposal 23 was put to vote. According to Speaker Qasim proposal 17 contradicts article 46 of the revised constitution. Speaker later ruled that a final decision on the proposal 17 would be taken later in accordance with the wishes of many members.

Yesterday’s session was attended by 100 members. It must be noted that the proposals passed with the full support of DRP members were articles which makes reference to “this constitution”. Some members pointed this out by raising points of orders. In this regard although some proposals were agreed up on at unofficial meetings, they failed to pass as DRP members did not offer their support as these proposals did not contain “this constitution”. Before closing the morning session Speaker announced that a session would be held in the afternoon.

Dr. Munavvar criticizes education system

2008-04-14T01:27:00.001-07:00

Dr. Mohamed Munavvar President of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) competing in the MDP presidential primary has criticized the current educational system employed by the government.

Speaking at a campaign rally held in Gdh. Thinadhoo , Dr. Munavvar said although more than 10,000 students undergo GCE O Level examinations every year, only a handful obtain good results. He said this was due to government policy of differentiating standard of education provided to different atolls. He also said good results are obtained by students whose parents spend a lot of money on tuition. He said while children of poor parents who just cannot afford spend money on tuition, schools in the atolls unlike schools in Male’ do not even have proper facilities needed to impart knowledge.

“Many of us know the actual status of our nation, the fact is only very few students who complete the secondary education will be able to write a letter properly, this is because the current education system is not adequate” said Dr. Munavvar.

Dr. Munavvar addressing a very attentive audience said the Education Minister had declared that education system would be improved and that an improved system would be introduced in year 2010. He said it is disheartening know the education minister had not made public steps that would be taken in the next two years. He said the objective of the education system must to produce capable people to take up all kinds of jobs in the country and that educational syllabus must be reshaped to achieve it.

“We are working to establish a nation, we are one nation for the benefit of the Maldivian people, if that is so then we have to determine and establish our targets, we clearly aware of what we should be doing to improve our education system, we know how much control the ministry have over the schools, teachers are not the given freedom even to carry out their duties” said Munavvar.

Speaking further Dr. Munavvar further said that country lacks a proper preschool system.
“When we send our children to preschool we are sending them in to danger, classes are overcrowded, teachers are unable to handle them, this is the situation even in Male’, we don’t have centers have established to prepare them for grade one and that’s the beginning, the ending is even more sad” said Dr. Munavvar.

“We need to expand the role of private schools; we need to have international schools, there are parents who wants it, considering the expenses the parents incur giving tuition , international schools can be operated in Maldives” said Dr. Munavvar.

Independent candidates will find it difficult - Zaki

2008-04-14T01:26:00.001-07:00

Vice President of the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Mr. Ibrahim Hussain Zaki has said that it would be almost impossible for any candidate to win the forthcoming presidential elections without being affiliated to a political party.

Speaking to Miadhu Daily Mr. Zaki said that it would be almost impossible for any candidate to win the presidential without a party ticket and if by any chance an independent candidate succeeds then it means Maldivians have not accepted the party system.

“Without the support of a party any candidate would find it difficult to win the forthcoming elections, if it happens then it means that people has not accepted the party system” said Mr. Zaki who was once a minister in the President Gayoom’s cabinet as well as top diplomat of the SAARC region.

Mr. Zaki further said he believed that Maldivian people would not support independent candidates and that the people would deeply think about the matter.

Many political analysts agree with Mr. ZAaki’s view. They say that as the party system is still in its infancy and if an independent candidate succeeds then it indicates that party system has failed. They say Maldivians would never do such a thing.

Dr. Hassan to start campaign trips to atolls

2008-04-14T01:25:00.002-07:00

Former Foreign Minister Dr. Ahmed Shaheed has said that Dr. Hassan Saeed former Attorney General would commence his campaign trips to the atolls next Wednesday. Dr. Hassan Saeed has announced that he will compete for the presidency in the forthcoming presidential elections scheduled later in the year. Dr. Hassan has also revealed that he will stand elections as an independent candidate.

Dr. Shaheed informed that Dr. Hassan would first visit islands of North Maldives. He also said that Dr. Hassan has already commenced his campaign activities.

Dr. Hassan already a leading presidential hopeful had revealed his presidential manifesto on 29 February 2007. The manifesto mainly constitutes of 12 key parts. In this regard to unite the religious divisions already existent in the country, to upgrade the educational system to international standards, to improve the health sector to the levels expected by the people, to provide employment opportunities, to protect the rights of the workers, and to provide adequate shelter to the people.

The manifesto also included promises to wipe out drug abuse from the country, to establish fair and impartial judiciary as well as to improve foreign relations.

Sp. Majlis on Voting on TC: No majority no power says Opposition

2008-04-14T01:25:00.001-07:00

Opposition Members have claimed that DRP as the majority party in the Special Majlis are endorsing proposal which the party wants and rejecting proposal which they do not want to pass without any considerations to the best interests of the Maldivian people.

The afternoon session of the Special Majlis held yesterday to proceed with the voting on the Transitional Chapter (TC) was thrown in to a vicious circle of raising points of orders when the chair commenced calling for votes on the proposals concerning duration of the President and the People’s Majlis during the transitional stage. The morning session ended just before proposal number 24 was put to vote. Before proposal 24 was put to vote at the yesterday’s morning session of the Majlis MP for Male’ Ibrahim Ismail raising a point of order said with the Majlis endorsement of the clause proposal 20, the president, the cabinet, the people’s Majlis and other constitutionally empowered institutions will lose legal authority. Ibra further said this will eventually lead to country going astray. At this point yesterday’s morning session was thrown in to mayhem. Verbal attacks at a personal level and raising points of orders was the order of the day.

At the yesterday afternoon session of the Special Majlis, heated arguments continued on the subject of proposal 20 and proposal 24. The proposal submitted by Deputy Speaker Shaheen Hameed titled “Continuation of the President and members of the people’s Majlis in their positions” stated that until such time as the next presidential elections can be held and the next parliamentary elections can be held , the present President and present People’s Majlis will continue to remain in office.

When disagreements between members erupted on the issue, the Chair decided to call for vote on proposals concerning the duration of the President and the People’s Majlis during the transitional stage. When the opposition saw that out of these proposals only proposal which favored DRP were being passed, tensions increased and the floor was soon engulfed in arguments and points of orders. Opposition soon increased raising points of order. MP for Male’ Ibrahim Ismail , MP for Laamu Atoll Ricco Moosa Manik , MP for Meemu Atoll Ahmed Shafeeg, MP for Raa Atoll Ali Waheed and Lhaviani Atoll member Hussain Ibrahim protested loudly on the endorsements of the proposals by majority party DRP. Responses were provided by Nasheed Legal Reform Minister and Ibrahim Shareef MP for Addu Atoll to the opposition.

When the Majlis was deeply engulfed in raising points of orders , arguments and verbal attacks, Chair, Speaker Qasim spoke at length and urged them to focus on work at hand and to appealed to members to set aside differences and work to complete the constitutional reform process as stipulated by the regulations of the Majlis.

At closing stage of the afternoon session of the yesterday’s Majlis , arguments and verbal attacks became so loud it appeared that Speaker Qasim was having difficulty in controlling the Majlis.When MP for Ha Ahmed Muiz started addressing the Majlis by taking point of order, shouting of other members went on forcing MP Muiz to raise his voice himself just to be heard over the others. MP Muiz supported Minister Nasheed and said the annulment of the current constitution on the day the revised constitution comes in to force will not be an issue.

Speaking at the last opportunity before the close of yesterday’s afternoon session, MP for Gnaviani Atoll Mohamed Ibrahim Didi very emotionally said even though the majority party can do what ever they want, there is not much the opposition can do about it. He said the final decision lies with the people.

Some opposition MP after coming out and standing near the eastern gate of the Majlis House shared their views on how the proceeding went with the members of the general public. In this regard two of the opposition MP’s said DRP’s majority became so effective as People’s Association members sided with DRP. Opposition MP’s pointed out that PA’s words and actions do not match.

The next session of special Majlis would be held today at 1430 hours.

Sp. Majlis passes vital articles of the TC

2008-04-14T01:24:00.000-07:00

Special Majlis has passed important articles of the Transitional Chapter (TC) currently being considered at the Majlis. Special Majlis has passed to establish a 5 member elections commission within 30 days of the ratification of the revised constitution. The Elections Commission is to be proposed by the political parties and need to be endorsed by the Special Majlis. Further the Majlis also passed to establish an 8 member Judicial Services Commission.

Further the Majlis also passed to establish a Supreme Court comprising of 5 Judges within 45 days of the revised constitution coming into force. The Supreme Court is to be established with the advice of Judicial Services Commission. Majlis also endorsed to establish an Anti Corruption Commission within 60 days of the entry in to force of the revised constitution. Majlis yesterday also passed to establish the Elections Commission, Supreme Court and the Judicial Services Commission that require to be established under the constitution within 60 days of holding the first session of the People’s Majlis elected under the revised constitution.

Before the break time, 21 articles were put to vote and 15 were passed. The first articles put to vote yesterday, were articles on which members have agreed upon at unofficial sessions. It must be noted that the articles passed with the full support of DRP members were articles which makes reference to “this constitution”.

Majlis today was attended by 100 members. Some members raised points of orders. Although security around the Majlis is tight, many members of the general public attended to witness the proceedings.

According to Maldives Police Services, one person was arrested near the Majlis house for disobedience and attempting to barge in to area cordoned off by the Police. Police informs the matter is being investigated.

Voting on transitional Chapter to be continued today

2008-04-13T12:10:00.002-07:00

A Special Majlis will gain meet today. The main agenda item scheduled is the continuation of voting on the transitional chapter.

One article of the transitional chapter was passed last week as Majlis sessions were boycotted last week by DRP. In this regard the last 2 sessions of the Special Majlis was cancelled due to lack of quorum as members of DRP has refused to attend.

According to DRP they boycotted the last 2 sessions due to member disagreements on the voting procedure of the transitional chapter.

Speaking with Miadhu Daily last Wednesday night, Chief Spokesperson of DRP Mr. Ibrahim Shafiu said an emergency meeting of its parliamentary group was held and the meeting was concluded without reaching any decision. He said due to inability to reach a common stand on the issue of voting on transitional chapter, the Majlis sessions were boycotted in order not to provide the opportunity for members to take points of orders and disrupt the flow of the Majlis.
Mr. Shafiu said further meetings of its parliamentary group will take place during the week and during that time time members would agree on a common stand and would attend the Majlis on Sunday (today).

MP for Male’ as well as the leader of the Social Liberal Party Mr. Ibrahim Ismail (Ibra) speaking to Miadhu Daily on the matter said that leader of DRP was sulking but the members will not care. Mr. Ibra said DRP members will attend the Majlis next Sunday.

Members claim they are being threatened

2008-04-13T12:10:00.001-07:00

People’s Majlis and the Special Majlis members have said that they are receiving threats of sorts as part of the ongoing violence in the country. Members made the statement in response to a question posed by Miadhu Daily regarding various comments made by them on various occasion about receiving such threats.

According to members this upsurge in violence in Male’ and elsewhere in the country has many colors of a political scheme. They strongly allege that some politicians were behind it.

In this regard MP for Laamu Atoll Mr. Ricco Moosa Manik said that he too is receiving many threats. He said he has been warned not to speak out in the Majlis and say what ever feel likes. According to Mr. Moosa Manik there must be some political people behind these threats with the purpose of achieving some political gains.

“ They are calling and warning me that I cannot say what I want in the Majlis, these warnings are also given to Speaker of the Special Majlis Qasim Ibrahim, MP Monaza Naeem and MP ADK Nashid , they too receive these warnings , I feel the whole thing is politically motivated” said Mr., Moosa Manik.
MP for Dhaalu Atoll Mr. ADK Ahmed Nashid said that he was a victim of these threats as well. Mr. Nashid said that he very concerened and alarmed as he the victims of many threats. He further said this is politically motivated and the even his family members and his staff are being contacted.

“Even my sister and my staff are being contacted and warned, there is some political motivation in this, recently when my family went to have a sea bath, some body had splashed black oil over my wife’s car, they are being psychologically affected, nowadays I don’t even answer calls other than to numbers in my phone book, but when I speak in the Majlis I am just exercising a privilege guaranteed by the constitution” said Mr. Nashid.

MP for Ga Atoll Mr. Adhnan Haleem and Baa Atoll Member Mr. Ali Faiz also suspect that the recent upsurge in violence in Male’ is politically motivated. Mr. Ali Faiz even said that he is receiving death threats.

“They are saying in very abusive language that they would “slice me up” or stop behaving like that” said Ali Mr. Faiz. Mr. Faiz further pointed out that this is clear indicat

Breaking News: Sp.Majlis passes vital articles of the transitional chapter

2008-04-13T12:09:00.001-07:00

Special Majlis has passed important articles of the transitional chapter currently being considered at the Majlis. Special Majlis has passed to establish a 5 member elections commission within 30 days of the ratification of the revised constitution. The Elections Commission is to be proposed by the political parties and need to be endorsed by the Special Majlis. Further the Majlis also passed to establish an 8 member Judicial Services Commission.

Further the Majlis also passed to establish a Supreme Court comprising of 5 Judges within 45 days of the revised constitution coming into force. The Supreme Court is to be established with the advice of Judicial Services Commission. Majlis also endorsed to establish an Anti Corruption Commission within 60 days of the entry in to force of the revised constitution. Majlis today also passed to establish the Elections Commission, Supreme Court and the Judicial Services Commission that require to be established under the constitution within 60 days of holding the first session of the People’s Majlis elected under the revised constitution.

Before the break time, 21 articles were put to vote and 15 were passed. The first articles put to vote today, were articles on which members have agreed upon at unofficial sessions. It must be noted that the articles passed with the full support of DRP members were articles which makes reference to “this constitution.

Majlis today was attended by 100 members. Some members raised points of orders. Although security around the Majlis is tight, many members of the general public attended to witness the proceedings.

According to Maldives Police Services, one person was arrested near the Majlis house for disobedience and attempting to barge in to area cordoned off by the Police. Police informs the matter is being investigated.

Winner of primary will be next president – Zaki

2008-04-13T12:08:00.002-07:00

Mr. Ibrahim Hussain Zaki Vice president of MDP has said that winner of the presidential primary will be the next president and that all candidates competing in the MDP presidential primary are people with necessary capacity to lead the country. When asked which candidate has more chances of wining the presidency Mr. Zaki replied that all the 3 candidates completing in the primary are equally capable and whoever wins the primary will win the forthcoming presidential election.

“The 3 of them are equally capable, whoever who wins the primary is going to be the president of this country as they are all very capable people” said Vice President of MDP Mr. Zaki who is considering pulling out of politics.

Mr. Zaki further said who ever who win the primary will also be the candidate for National Unity Alliance and who ever who gets the chance to compete in the presidential elections will the next president . Mr. Zaki also said this year will be marked as the year that will bring an end to President Gayoom’s long rule.

MDP presidential primary is contested by 3 candidates. They are former chairperson of the party Mohamed Nasheed (Anni), President of the party Dr. Mohamed Munavvar and Ricco Moosa Manik member of MDP parliamentary group as well as MP for Laamu Atoll.

Ricco in Lhaviani Atoll

2008-04-13T12:08:00.001-07:00

Mr. Ricco Moosa Manik MP for Laamu Atoll, who is currently campaigning to win the party presidential nomination in the elections scheduled for the 25 of this month, has taken his campaign to Laviani Atoll.

According to his campaign office Mr. Moosa Manik is currently in Lhaviani atoll on a two day visit. Mr. Moosa is expected to visit Hinnavaru , Kurendhoo and Naifaru.

In this regard a special meeting was held in Kurendhoo yesterday and in addition a meeting has been scheduled for tonight in Hinnavaru. Campaign activities include sticking of posters, organizing viewing of CDs of previous meetings and meeting the people of the islands.

Campaign office informs that Mr. Moosa has previously made campaign visits to Male’ Atoll, Ha Atoll, Hdh Atoll, Fuvahmulah and Addu Atoll.

The MDP Presidential primary election is to be held on the 25 of this month. Further election of a Chairperson will also be held on the same date.

There is a secret behind the injustices - Ricco

2008-04-09T10:23:00.002-07:00

Speaking at campaign rally held at Vilingili Ward of Male’ Mr. Ricco Moosa Manik MP for Laamu Atoll as well as MDP Presidential contender has said that there is a secret behind the injustices inflicted on the people for the last 10 to 12 years. Mr. Moosa Manik also called on the security forces to investigate and arrest any people found to be guilty of such crimes if the country is to be taken to safer shores.

Mr. Moosa Manik said youths of the country were systematically spoilt or exposed to crime due to handing out heavy sentences for minor offences which they committed. Mr. Moosa Manik said police were doing enough to enforce law and order and that this was the major reason for gang violence on the streets of Male’.

“This is indicative of the fact, that after armed forces started law enforcement, have you heard of any gang attacks? Or of anybody being hospitalized due to violence? This shows that we Maldivians are law abiding people” said mr. Moosa Manik.

Mr. Moosa Manik said people are complaining about the laws and regulations being acted up on or being not enforced because the status of the country is so. He said no body cares about law any more because people feel that it applies only to some people and that not everybody is equal. Mr. Moosa said if he wins the party primaries and the eventually the presidential elections he establish a government with a strong and independent judiciary. He said everybody equal in front of the law and that even if his son commits a crime he would be given the due punishment.

Referring to President Gayoom’s statement on the eliminating the drug abuse within 4 months Mr. Ricco Moosa Manik said even if President Gayoom is unable to fulfill that he would achieve it with one year one assumption of top position of the country.

Mr. Moosa said that an MDP led government would strictly follow party polices and party decisions. He said MDP is out to obtain the full rights of the people and to obtain full justice for the people. Mr. Moosa also looked at the present status of the People’s Special Majlis. He said the Majlis have been hijacked by the government. He said this is because under the revised constitution a transitional arrangement is provided for then President Gayoom will have to step down.

He said the purpose of the MDP led Alliance was to establish interim government so that elections could be held prior to November this year.

“However DRP is saying that President Gayoom should be able to complete the present 5 year term, We are saying that’s Ok but please vacate the Presidential Palace by the midnight of 10 November. So when we said that DRP is now saying that under the interim arrangement Mr. Gayoom would lead the country for 2 years. But under the revised constitution a person who already served two terms as President cannot for election again”.

Before concluding Mr. Ricco Moosa Manik called on security forces to guide the nation to safer shores.

If my govt. gets tainted then I would resign – Dr. Hassan

2008-04-09T10:23:00.001-07:00

Former Attorney General Dr. Hassan Saeed as well as a leading presidential candidate has said that before a government led by him gets tainted with allegations of being a dictatorship he would resign. He made the statement in an exclusive given to Miadhu Daily.

Speaking to Miadhu Daily that would be no room for any dictatorial or autocratic rule under his leadership and if it happens he would have absolutely no right to be in such a position.

“Before that happens I would resign, there would be no reason to raise that question under my leadership” said Dr. Hassan. Dr. Hassan Saeed further said under the present new system being introduced, there would no opportunity to promote or prolong dictatorships .He said under the revised constitution the three main powers of the constitution and that Maldivian people would not tolerate such governments any longer.

“My manifesto contains steps that would takes us further away from such governments, as such the person who has the executive powers should not have any color of dictatorship, my manifesto shows the way for a modern democracy, how best to bring about it, it talks about election of atoll chiefs and island chiefs ; my manifesto also says I will not have any family members in influential key positions, my manifesto talks about an independent and impartial judiciary, all these are ways that will takes us away from dictatorships” said Dr. Hassan.

Dr. Hassan Saeed former Attorney General resigned from government claiming that government has failed and that he no longer wanted any part of it.

Dr. Hassan pointed out that in a government led by him, specific measures would be taken to prevent the ongoing violence on the streets as well as other crimes being committed.

“I will give priority to ensure roads and homes are safer places for all to live in, people should be able to live in peace and harmony, maintenance of law and order will be an essential part of my government” said Dr. Hassan.

Dr. Hassan further said the judiciary and other important institutions are not effective because of the key officials who assigned with the management of these institutions.

“Commissioner of Police has huge responsibility to maintain law and order; unfortunately he is not performing very well, problems are only increasing instead of decreasing, no body is assuming any responsibility, even Home Minister has said that violence will only be stopped when those committing it stops, this is outrageous, how can government prevent such things with people like that” said Dr. Hassan.

Dr. Hassan said in government led by all key officials would not be responsible but also accountable and if they not perform they would have to step down.

DRP To Gasim: “Show Us A Way Out”

2008-04-07T12:08:00.000-07:00

Constitutional reform appears to be on hold after MPs from the ruling Dhivehi Raiyyithunge Party (DRP) walked out of the Special Majlis (constitutional assembly) again on Sunday. They have said they will not return unless Speaker Gasim Ibrahim rules clauses they have proposed can be put to an immediate vote.The clauses deal with a key battleground of the reform process, specifying that the two-term limit on the presidency starts with the implementation of the constitution in progress - meaning President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom can stand for a seventh term.

On HoldDespite a Saturday warning by the DRP, Gasim on Sunday refused to bring forward the proposed clauses on term limits, saying their validity may depend on other clauses due to come up for a vote first. The opposition have supported his decision, but the DRP protested by leaving the assembly.Material already agreed between the parties, such as sections on independent commissions, is timetabled to come up for a vote next. But the DRP say this is unacceptable.“We have made our case,” said DRP coordinator Ibrahim Shafiu in a press conference on Sunday. “Now we are saying to the Speaker: show us a way out.”But with tensions increasing in the long-delayed process of setting transitional arrangements for implementation of the constitution, opposition MPs held their own press conference to say the DRP was using its majority to “hijack” proceedings.And meanwhile no date has been set for the next Special Majlis meeting, meaning the constitutional reform process is on hold pending Gasim’s response.

Gasim also said he might ask the opposition-dominated business committee of the Special Majlis for a ruling on the eligibility of the clauses for a vote, but the DRP argue such a decision would be outside the committee’s “administrative” mandate.The committee, which sets the Special Majlis agenda, is chaired by Mohamed (Monaza) Naeem of the People’s Association (PA) political group, and has previously offered pivotal rulings on issues such as a July 2007 allegation of voting fraud within the assembly.Other members are Abdullah Yameen and Zahir Adam of the PA; Hussein Rasheed Hassan, Mohamed Aslam and Mohamed Shihab of the largest opposition Maldivian Democratic Party; and Aneesa Ahmed, Ibrahim Shafiu, Moosa Naeem and Mohamed Majdee Ibrahim of the DRP.

After Gasim’s election as Speaker in May 2007, he and the committee introduced radical changes to Special Majlis procedure after two years of stalled constitutional development.But it has clashed with Gasim over issues such as a motion to remove presidential appointees from the assembly, supported by the committee but dismissed by Gasim last July.“We haven’t been asked” to consider the viability of the clauses, said Naeem on Sunday. “But if we are asked for an opinion, we will give one.”Two TermsMaldivian chose a presidential over a parliamentary system in last August’s constitutional referendum, with a two-term limit on the presidency as part of the package.But the DRP now argue the limit was never intended to be retrospective, whilst the MDP and some independent MPs contend President Gayoom has already exceeded it.

Already passed constitutional material enshrines the two-term limit, but opposition MPs have now proposed clauses for the transitional chapter indicating the constitution is simply an amendment of that introduced in 1953 when Maldives became a republic.Yet they also argue already passed material makes it clear the term limit applies retrospectively, in any case.Meanwhile head of DRP parliamentary group Aneesa Ahmed has proposed a clause specifying the phrase “this constitution” applies only to the one in progress, and another saying the two-term limit will start in 2008.Gasim’s ruling must apply to both sets of clauses. But bearing in mind his previous ruling that the constitution is “amended” and not “new”, a decision not to table any of the clauses is widely equated with a ruling against the DRP.Gasim is a DRP vice president and finance minister, but was part of the opposition reform movement until 2005, and is believed to maintain links with opposition politicians.

TimingAfter missing the original May 2007 deadline, and a revised date of November 2007, to complete the constitution, the assembly has now passed the 31 March 2008 date pledged by information minister Mohamed Nasheed in February.And international diplomats including James Moran, EU director for Asia, who visited in March, have warned time is short to implement the independent commissions due to be put in place ahead of presidential elections.With Gasim appearing reluctant to produce a definitive ruling on the contentious clauses, and the DRP refusing to attend the assembly until he does, it is unclear when the process may now be completed.The only material on transition to have passed a vote so far is the principle of a transitional chapter, agreed on Sunday.

Voting on Transitional Chapter: Only one article put to vote before Majlis lost quorum

2008-04-07T12:05:00.000-07:00

The voting on Transitional Arrangements scheduled at yesterday’s sitting of the Special Majlis was suspended due to loss of quorum in the second half. At the sitting before the Majlis was adjourned due loss of quorum, only one article was put to vote, i.e. the article stipulation the period of the Transition. The article says unless otherwise specified, the provisions specified in this chapter will only be effective until a president and a Majlis is elected under the revised constitution assumes office.

The article was passed with 71 members in favor out of 93 members in attendance. After the article 1 of the Transitional Arrangements was passed Majlis went in to a round of points of orders. Series of points of orders were taken by Members which lasted for about one and half hours. Members affiliated to DRP called on the Chair to indicate which articles will be put to vote, well in advance. Legal Reform Minister Mr. Mohamed Nasheed taking a point of order called on the Chair to reveal which amendments proposed by Members will be put to vote and which amendments will not be put to vote prior to asking for vote on the articles of the Transitional Chapter.

Many other Members supporting DRP by taking points of orders supported Mr. Nasheed’s proposition and said unless the Chair abide by the proposal DRP Members would not take part in the voting on the Transitional Arrangements. At yesterday’s sitting DRP Members were given clear instructions on how to vote through a whip sheet. The whip sheet called on DRP Members to vote for Mr. Shaheen Hameed and Mr. Mohamed Anil’s amendments as well as Mr. Shaheen Hameed, Ms Aneesa Ahmed and Mr. Mohamed Anil’s proposal. The whip sheet also stated that “majority of the DRP Parliamentary group is not in support of passing any other am amendments other than those mentioned”.

The whip sheet also instructed DRP Members to ask the Chair to ask for votes on amendments which could not be consolidated or agreed up on at unofficial meetings in the order they were proposed prior to asking for votes on the amendments agreed up on at the unofficial meetings. The DRP whip sheet instructed Members to walk out if the Chair decides to act otherwise. Opposition MDP Members and other Members supporting the opposition by taking points of orders said that those amendments which have been agreed upon should be put to vote prior to asking for vote on amendments which could be agreed up on. Opposition Members also repeated asked the Chair to proceed with asking for vote as the procedure was inline with Majlis procedures. The Chair of the Majlis, Speaker Qasim Ibrahim in response to DRP Members points of orders said voting is being called up on amendments agreed up on at unofficial meetings and that those amendments which may conflict with other amendments prior to voting has not been identified.

He further a decision on such amendments will be reached after consultation with Administrative Committee of the Special Majlis. Due to series of points of orders being taken, another article was not put to vote during the first half of the Majlis and Majlis was adjourned in the second half due to loss of quorum. Quorum was lost due to DRP Members and government ministers not attending the Majlis after break time. During the 15 minutes which Speaker Qasim waited for DRP Member to attend so that Majlis could be resumed, opposition Members protested the DRP Members and government ministers who were the cause of loss of quorum. Their protests could be heard at the gallery even though the microphones were turned off. They claimed that it was against Majlis procedures to use the facilities of the Majlis if Members are not attending the sessions.

After the Majlis was adjourned due loss of quorum and when opposition Members came out on the court yard of the Majlis House, some members of the general public who came to witness the proceedings of the Majlis gathered and protested. The protests were very loud and were mainly directed against those Members who were the cause of loss of quorum. Police intervened and dispersed the crowd. A news conference was held at the site at around 12pm by the opposition Members.

When Maldives Police Services started videoing the news conference opposition Members told the Police that just as any other institution they had a right a do that and that they could that even if they come closer and ask questions too. Speaker Mr. Qasim Ibrahim before adjourning the Majlis announced that date for the next sitting will be informed to members later.

MDP Presidential Primary: Ricco and Anni to accept proxy vote

2008-04-05T20:00:00.003-07:00

Even though Dr. Mohamed Munavvar President of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) competing in the party presidential primary has said he will not make use of any proxy votes, the other 2 candidates competing in the presidential primary has made it clear that will accept proxy votes.

The other 2 candidates competing in the primary, MP for Laamu Atoll Mr. Moosa Manik and former chairperson Mr. Mohamed Nasheed (Anni) has also said the voting by proxy is against the spirit of elections but that they would accept proxy votes.

Mr. Anni said that there were many party members abroad and that if the members want to vote by proxy then he would make use of it and that it was important to provide the opportunity and facilitate means where those members can vote.

Dr. Mohamed Munavvar at a campaign rally held at Kulhudhuhfushi last Friday night has said that he was not in favor of voting by proxy. Dr. Munavvar said the voting by proxy violates the principles of voting and is against the spirit of elections.

At the address given at Hdh Kulhudhuhfushi, Dr. Munavvar said he will not make use of any proxy votes despite other two candidates competing in the primary doing so. He said as the MDP reformists are people with high awareness on politics, their actions must confirm what they say. In this regard he said all members should come out and vote on their own free will.

DRP to boycott voting on Transitional Chapter

2008-04-05T20:00:00.001-07:00

Dhivehi Rahyithunge Party (DRP) has issued a statement stating that they will not take part in voting of the transitional chapter unless Speaker of the Special Majlis gives them advance indication on what amendments will be voted on and what amendments will be kept aside at that particular session.

DRP in a news release issued yesterday stated that several attempts were made to find out which attempts were made to find out which amendments and proposals would be voted up during the session held on 4 April. Statement said however no response was received from the Speaker of the Majlis. The statement also said the amendments proposed to the Majlis include very important amendments chosen by DRP and that amendments were proposed after discussions with the DRP Parliamentary Group. The statement also noted that although some of the initial amendments proposed were cancelled in order to respect opinion of the majority of the members, these amendments include certain basic elements which the party considers to be essential and should be kept.

“As such DRP will only take part in the voting on the transitional chapter , when Majlis amend it procedure to call for votes on amendments proposed by individual members ahead of voting of points agreed between DRP and the opposition at the un official meetings” stated the news release.
MDP Parliamentary Group Leader Mr. Hassan Afeef speaking to Miadhu Daily said that they cannot support DRP’s statement. In this regard Mr. Afeef noted that which amendment is to be kept aside can only be known depending on the way the voting of the amendments proceeds at the Majlis. Mr. Afeef noted that even on previous occasion Speaker has not called for a vote on any amendments that may conflict with what has already been passed. Mr. Afeef further said he will ask all MDP Parliamentary Group Members and other members who support MDP to fully cooperate with the Speaker if the Speaker is proceeding in accordance with the Majlis regulations. “DRP’s actions indicate as in the last 30 years, there will be no impartial elections” said Mr. Afeef.

Speaking on the issue MP for Male’ as well as Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Special Majlis Mr. Ibrahim Ismail (Ibra) told Miadhu Daily that the only thing DRP is doing at present is to delay the constitutional reform process.

“Members must respect the orders of the Speaker; Members must obey the Speaker, what we have been doing is asking for votes on articles and announce which articles have not been voted on, articles which conflicts can only be known as you proceed with the voting and how the amendments gets through, there is no way Speaker can identify which article or amendment can cause conflict” said Mr. Ibra.

Mr. Ibra said it looks as if DRP is attempting to influence the voting on the transitional chapter. Mr. Ibra said this is unlawful and the Attorney General should stop the Special Majlis from proceeding further and prosecute those attempting to influence the Majlis. “First Attorney General should prosecute President’s Member Azima Shukoor” said Mr. Ibra.

Former Foreign Minister Dr. Ahmed Shaheed speaking on the issue said DRP do not have the power to intimidate Speaker of the Special Majlis. Dr. Saheed said DRP does not have the power to challenge or intimidate either the Speaker of the Special Majlis Mr. Qasim Ibrahim or Member in the Special Majlis working for reform. Dr. Shaheed further said DRP’s statement was proof of the party’s lack of in serving national interest and that DRP always bring forward party interest.

“It is a warning issued by DRP, it is an intimidation, but DRP has no power or capacity to intimidate or threaten Speaker of Special Majlis or Members of the Special Majlis working for reform , it shows the DRP is protecting party interests rather n working to protect national interests” said Dr. Shaheed.

Dr. Munavvar not in favor of voting by proxy

2008-04-05T19:59:00.001-07:00

Dr. Mohamed Munavvar President of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) competing in the party presidential primary has said that he is not in favor of voting by proxy. Dr. Munavvar said the voting by proxy violates the principles of voting and is against the spirit of voting.

At a primary campaign address given at Hdh Kulhudhuhfushi last night Dr. Munavvar said he will not make use of any proxy votes despite other two candidates competing in the primary doing so. He said as the MDP reformists are people with high awareness on politics, their actions must confirm what they say. In this regard he said all members should come out and vote on their own free will.

“What we are saying is that every body has the right to vote, that is one of the very basic rights, but that right have to exercised without the influence of any other party” said Dr. Munavvar in pointing out that this example should be followed by the general public.

In addition Dr. Munavvar said that although Maldives posses a proud history and a rich culture President Gayoom in his 30 year long rule have kept it hidden from the people. He said most Maldivians nowadays are not aware of what it means to be a Maldivian nor are they aware of what the country’s heroes and heroines. He said this one of the few country’s in the world which was not colonized and that the country has a proud history that all Maldivians can be proud of.

“Even though we were under the Portuguese rule for a little while, there were heroes that saved the country, just as others were defend to the country when other foreign sources tried to take our the sovereignty of the country, if we are not aware of such things then what Maldivinisim is there among us” said Dr. Munavvar.

Dr. Munavvar also said that Maldivians have an identity of their own, something they can be proud of. In this regard he said most young men and women today are more familiar with Hindhi or some other language than their very own mother tongue, Dhivehi.

The 2 two candidates competing in presidential primary are also holding campaign rallies in Male’ and in atolls. Apart from Dr. Munavvar the 2 candidates who are contesting the primaries are former chairperson Mohamed Nasheed (Anni) and Member of MDP Parliamentary Group as well as MP for Laamu Atoll Ricco Moosa Manik

MDP Presidential Primaries: No competitive sprit among candidates

2008-04-03T21:16:00.001-07:00

The lack of competitive spirit between the 3 MDP presidential candidates competing in the party primaries became apparent at the primary debate held last Wednesday night.

At the news conference like debate held at Dharubaaruge the 3 MDP presidential hopefuls Dr. Mohamed Munavvar President of the party, former chairperson of the party Mr. Mohamed Nasheed, member of party Parliamentarian Group Ricco Moosa Manik , while answering the questions of the press did not express any criticism of each other nor was any attempt made to prove that one was more qualified and capable to executive the top function of the country.

“We are not trying to challenge one another but we going to challenge President Gayoom” was the response given to Miadhu Daily when asked about the lack of competitive spirit.

At news conference like debate the 3 MDP candidates mainly spoke about the policies of an MDP led government. In this regard MDP policy on the abuse of drugs in the country, housing and shelter, population consolidation, education, employment and the development of the atolls were highlighted.

Debate on Transitional Chapter: Majlis lose quorum due members disagreements

2008-04-03T21:15:00.000-07:00

The Special Majlis session held yesterday lost its quorum after break time due to disagreements of members over the distribution of a leaflet asking for vote on the transitional chapter.

Tensions were high at the Majlis session where 98 members were in attendance prior to break time. The main reason for the high tensions and temper was the disagreements over the distribution of a blue paper by members of DRP recommending members to vote in their favor with regard to the transitional chapter. As a results of the ensuing disagreements and arguments vote on the transitional chapter was not called.

Opposition Members argue that the distribution of the blue paper “Whip Line” was to influence the vote of the transitional chapter. They claim that Special Majlis regulations do not allow such acts. However DRP Members deny the allegations. They say the blue Whip line was not distributed to the entire Majlis but to specific members. They argue if opposition Members were to believe in multiparty democratic principles such acts must be accepted.

Following the rounds of the “points of orders”, the Chair ordered the Majlis secretariat to remove the papers. The Majlis session was cancelled after loss of quorum after break time as many DRP Members were not in attendance.

The Chair Speaker Qasim Ibrahim before the adjourning the Majlis said that it was sad to see the government ministers bench empty.

Govt. to propose new Bill due to failed Bill on Civil Service Act

2008-04-03T21:14:00.000-07:00

Minister of Legal Reform Information and Arts Mr. Mohamed Nasheed has revealed that government plans to submit new Bills to the Majlis to establish independent commissions for the civil servants that the government wants to be excluded from the service due to rejection of the proposed amendments by the government to the Civil Service Act

Speaking at a news conference held at the news room “Fansavees” Mr. Nasheed said the proposed amendments to the Civil Service Act did not get through as it was perceived that it was proposed by the government to influence the forthcoming elections. Mr. Nasheed said that it was not the case and the intent of the amendment was to solve many of the issues that will be faced by many civil servants when they have to suddenly retire with the coming in to force of the Civil Service Act.

“The bill was proposed by the direct initiative of the President as more than 1700 people were suddenly faced with the prospect of giving up their jobs, he was asked by many people to provide a solution to the issue also this was carried on the front page of almost every news paper in town” Mr. Nasheed.

Speaking at the news conference Ms Aneesa Ahmed Minister at the President’s Office as well as MP for Mulak Atoll said the new bill to be proposed includes establishing a lot of independent commissions that are to be set up under the revised constitution such as Anti Corruption Commission and Elections Commission.

“Government will propose to establish new independent commissions and offices, government is also working to establish those institutions and commissions that are to be required to set up under the revised constitution” said Ms. Aneesa.

Ms. Aneesa further said the Bill to be proposed will focus solving issues that Civil Service Commission may face with the formation of these commissions and offices in respect to the scope of work carried out by the commission.

“We are working to submit the bills before May or even earlier, that is bills on setting up the commissions and offices and determining the scope of work also when to assign the work to the commissions” said Mr. Nasheed.

Speaking at the news conference Attorney General Ms Azima Shukoor noted that there was confusion between Public Service and Civil Service.

When asked by Miadhu Daily as to why the rejected amendments were not proposed during the debate on the Civil Service carried out at the Majlis, Mr. Nasheed said as the debate was held during days when the emphasis was on completion of the constitutional reform, the amendments were not taken up.

DRP Walkout On Brink Of Transition Vote

2008-04-03T21:13:00.000-07:00

Rising tensions over the constitution in progress spilled over into parliamentary warfare today, with the ruling Dhivehi Raiyyithunge Party (DRP) staging a walkout as the assembly stood on the brink of a vote that would have finalised the Maldives’ new constitution.

The opposition and DRP then held press conferences in quick succession, amid an extensive presence from police in combat gear around the Majlis (parliament) building, to accuse each other of sabotaging the democratic process.

The final chapter remaining is that on transitional arrangements – long a political touchstone, with the DRP seeking a continuation of Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s thirty-year rule and the opposition prioritising arrangements that reduce his power during the election period.

But with 97 clauses now up for a parliamentary vote, based on 11 proposals submitted by members, a point of order escalated into a row that postponed the crucial vote until Sunday’s session.

Order

With the public gallery packed in anticipation of a vote, the DRP had imposed a three-line whip on all its members to vote for proposals made by head of parliamentary group Aneesa Ahmed.

But when its whip sheet was distributed shortly before voting was due to start, Laamu atoll member Reeko Moosa Manik of the largest opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) raised a point of order, saying Majlis regulations forbade distribution of documents affecting a vote after the end of the debate.

DRP members argued his point was invalid, adding the whip sheet – which listed the clauses by number only, without including their substance – had been distributed late because of a change in the numbering, and was necessary for its MPs to know how to vote.

Special Majlis speaker Gasim Ibrahim, also finance minister and a DRP vice president, ruled against the party, who then “tore [the sheets] into pieces or stuffed them into their pockets” according to head of MDP parliamentary group Hassan Afeef, and left the Majlis.

MDP and independent MPs told journalists, surrounded by police outside the Majlis gates, that “the government would be lost if it lost the whip” and “privately, most DRP people support [our proposals]”.

But at a subsequent DRP press conference, party coordinator Ibrahim Shafiu maintained the DRP retained a “super majority” and warned: “We will walk out again if they don’t cooperate.”

Numbers

The DRP lost a major parliamentary vote on Tuesday, with the abstention or absence of three of its members meaning it fell short of the majority required to pass a vote on its proposed amendments to the Civil Service Act 2007.

The defeat – a first for a party which has an inbuilt parliamentary majority including eight presidential appointees – has focused attention on key power brokers within the Majlis and Special Majlis (constitutional assembly), such as Special Majlis speaker and finance minister Gasim Ibrahim, and the People’s Association group of ex-ministers.

The People’s Association (PA) parliamentarians, led by the president’s half-brother Abdullah Yameen, could have swung Tuesday’s vote in the government’s favour, but instead voted against or abstained.

And despite rumours the group remains close to the government, MP Ahmed Nazim has now said the PA supports proposals by independent MP Ahmed “ADK” Nashid, which favour opposition preferences.

The move has increased speculation that despite having 29 presidential appointees in the Special Majlis, the DRP may be uncertain of its majority for the crucial transition vote.

Proposals

Aneesa’s proposal for transition includes a clause specifically saying the limit of two presidential terms begins with the new constitution, allowing President Gayoom to run again.

It also allows the current president and parliament to stay in place until elections.

But opposition parliamentarians are currently favouring Nashid’s draft, which allows Gayoom to complete his current term – ending on 11 November – but then puts a committee selected by parliament at the head of state for a period up to six months.

As a compromise with the DRP, it specifies presidential elections ahead of parliamentary and local polls.

Despite Gasim’s ruling against them in today’s skirmish, DRP parliamentarians were careful not to criticise his decision, with Shafiu saying: “We are not accusing anyone. We know the pressure he is under.”

TVM To Screen MDP Debates

2008-04-03T09:55:00.001-07:00

Public discussions bringing together all three candidates in the largest opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) presidential primary on 2 and 23 April will be screened by state broadcaster TVM, the channel’s CEO has confirmed.

It is the first time the 30-year-old TVM, criticised by opposition groups as heavily biased towards government, has screened such events for any party. The debate on 2 April will be shown after the event, probably on 4 April, but the 23 April event will be screened live.

Wednesday’s discussion, co-ordinated by local newspapers Jazeera and Haama Daily with the Maldives Media Association, will have a question-and-answer format. The format for the second debate, hosted by commercial radio station Dhi FM, has not yet been determined.

TVM’s CEO Ali Khalid said: “Following discussions with MDP, today’s debate will be screened unedited,” despite the delay to the broadcast.

All three candidates in the unprecedented primary – former chairperson Mohamed Nasheed (Anni), party president Dr Mohamed Munavvar and Laamu atoll MP Reeko Moosa – have agreed to take part, according to MDP secretary general Hamid Abdul Ghafoor.

TVM came into the spotlight in February when a team led by US consultant Terry Anzur was hired by the Ministry of Information to revamp its coverage ahead of the country’s first multi-party elections.

But the Broadcasting Bill due to make the channel an independent public service broadcaster – a central element of the media reforms promised in the government’s Roadmap for the Reform Agenda – has still not passed a parliamentary vote, after criticism of an initial version from international press freedom watchdog Article 19.

Meanwhile a former TVM employee told Minivan News that until leaving the channel last year, “I always worked against the MDP...if there were things against the government in interviews, we would cut them. We were government servants.”

The MDP has now “lobbied the international community” to secure full coverage from TVM for its activities, according to Hamid.

“We and the candidates wanted Television Maldives exposure – that was a must,” he added. “This campaign [ahead of the presidential elections] must not be lopsided.”

Khalid highlights the fact that the channel covered debates between the campaigns for presidential and parliamentary systems prior to last year’s constitutional referendum.

But one, organised by the Haveeru newspaper, ended in disarray when government ministers walked out after heckling from a hostile crowd, and a second was then cancelled.

Information minister Mohamed Nasheed has now pledged equal coverage for political parties ahead of the presidential elections, expected later this year.

Key PA members are loyal council members of DRP - Shafiu

2008-04-03T09:52:00.002-07:00

Chief spokes person of Dhivehi Rayithunge Party (DRP) Mr. Ibrahim Shafiu has said that those council members of DRP who are now founders of People’s Association (PA) are not invited to the council meetings as they have specifically requested not to be invited.

Mr. Shafiu said even though Mr. Abdulla Yamin , President’s half brother and his colleagues and associates at present are not engaged in DRP political activities , they are still council members of the party with the best interest of DRP at heart.

Speaking to Miadhu Daily Chief Spokesperson Mr. Shafiu said even though Mr. Yamin and his associates such as Mr. Abdulla Jabir former Chairman of Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO), Mr. Ahmed Nazim, former State Minister at Ministry of Higher Education, Employment and Social Security, Mr. Zahir Adam MP for Ga Atoll and Jaufar Adam leading businessmen are currently engaged in establishing and promoting PA, they are still loyal DRP council members. Mr. Shafiu further said he does not believe they will distance themselves from the DRP.

“They have never taken any step or done anything that may have any negative impacts on the party, they are still loyal members, they have the best interests of the party at heart” said Chief Spokesperson of DRP.

When asked by Miadhu Daily why these PA / DRP council members are not being invited to council sessions of the party Mr. Shafiu said that the decision not to invite them was taken as they have specially requested the party not to do so and that they were invited on previous occasions just like any other council member.

“We are doing so at their own request, they have said they will only attend council meetings only after solving their differences with the Leader, so we are just waiting patiently” said Mr. Shafiu.

Chief Spokesperson further said as the key PA members were instrumental in the formation of DRP, they still love and respect the party deeply.

“They were instrumental players in the formation of DRP and as such I do not believe we can just throw them out of the party” said Chief Spokesperson of DRP Mr. Ibrahim Shafiu.

Majlis endorse Defense Bill

2008-04-03T09:52:00.001-07:00

At the eleventh sitting of the first session of the Majlis held yesterday Defense Force Bill was passed with the full consensus of the Majlis. The Bill gives the defense personnel the right to vote and stipulates President of the county as its chief commander. The Bill stipulates penalties and punishments for Defense Force Personnel committing administrative offenses as well as other violations.

While some members has expressed their concern over the Bill, while members say the Bill will make the Defense Force independent. The Bill also stipulates the main responsibilities of the Defense Force as protection of the country’s sovereignty and the protection of the legally established government.

During the second reading of the reporting stage of the bill, 36 amendments were moved and seconded. When these amendments were put to vote 9 were approved.

At the third and the final stage of considering the Bill 11 members spoke on the subject and Minister of Defense and National Security Mr. Ismail Shafiu made final remarks on the Bill. After these interventions, the chair called for vote to pass the bill with the amendments passed during the second reading of the reporting stage. Finally the bill was passed by consensus.

At the beginning of yesterdays sitting, Minister of Construction and Public Infrastructure Mr. Mohamed Mauroof Jameel was asked parliamentary questions by South Nilandhe Atoll member Mr. Ahmed Nashid. The minister provided answers to the questions and to five other supplementary questions asked by other members.

At the conclusion of the question time Majlis also passed minutes of two sitting of the Majlis, i.e. nos. 1/2008 and 2/2008. Yesterday’s sitting was attended by 42 members and was chaired by speaker Ahmed Zahir. The next session of people Majlis will be held on Monday 7th April 2008.

Vice Leader of DRP Sun Travels Shiyam resigns

2008-04-03T09:51:00.000-07:00

Miadhu Daily has received information from reliable sources that one of the Vice Leaders of Dhivehi Rayithunge Party (DRP) Mr. Ahmed Shiyam (Sun Travels Shiyam) has in fact resigned.

As the story became the favorite topic of discussion in almost in every tea shop in the Male’, Miadhu Daily contacted Mr. Shiyam for conformation. However Mr. Shiyam did not confirm the story nor did he deny it. He said as was busy in a meeting he cannot provide a comment. Even though Mr. Shiyam did not offer any specific comments on the subject, it is highly probable that he has offered his resignation as indicated from the tone and manner of the conversation that was held with Miadhu Daily.

In addition many of his colleagues have confirmed the story to Miadhu Daily. They said “with out doubt” he has offered his resignation.

Chief Spokesperson of DRP Ibrahim Shafiu when contacted said that he has not seen the letter of resignation and that the speculations about Mr. Shiyam’s resignation were all rumors. Further Leader of DRP parliamentary Group Ms Aneesa also said more or less the same, that talks were all rumors.

Despite the denials by top DRP officials, close colleagues of Mr. Shiyam has indeed confirmed the story to Miadhu Daily and the fact Mr. Shiyam himself did not deny it makes us believe that the story has some element of truth in it. Further attempts to contact Mr. Shiyam proved unsuccessful.

Dr. Munavvar says he will not let Gayoom victimize nation

2008-03-28T00:01:00.002-07:00

Dr. Mohamed Munavvar President of the Maldivian Democratic Party competing in the party presidential primaries has said that he will not let the country be a victim of President Gayoom’s personal agenda. Speaking at the ceremony held in Dhihdhoo of Ha Atoll to kick start his campaign Dr. Munavvar said that he is working hard to prevent President Gayoom from victimizing the country.

“The objective of President Gayoom’s reform agenda is to prolong his hold on power. When he launched his reform agenda he talked about constitutional reform, he mentioned a lot of the other things, one of them is that no body should remain in office of the president for more than two terms. Finally when all the amendments are completed we are hearing from President Gayoom’s own mouth that he can still stand re election under the revised constitution.

Considering the way amendments are introduced and the spirit of reform, no person shall hold the office of the president for more than 2 terms, there is no provision in the constitution that gives an exemption to Maumoon Abdul Gayoom” said Dr. Munavvar. In addition Dr. Munavvar said if President Gayoom stand election in violation of the constitution, MDP would do everything in their power to prevent him from contesting and if necessary MDP would take up the matter with the Supreme Court. “After he assumed office on 11 November 2003, people of this country have had no peace, there is no security or harmony among us any more, the capital of the country is not safe any more, we are not sure of returning to our home without being attacked by a knife or a sword, hardened criminals are being released for political purposes.

One of the things that can be seen right through out President Gayoom’s term is the handing out of sentences to suit him which has resulted in the lack of respect for the law, no body obeys or respect the law any more, this is the current status quo of our nation, if we elect him again we will be faced with far worse conditions than this. We cannot do that, we can’t tolerate this any longer” said Dr. Munavvar. Dr. Munavvar also said that President Gayoom should not use the powers of his office to prolong his hold on power.

“Our constitution says all powers of the state originate from the people, if we believe in the philosophy then the actual power is with the people, this campaign is not about ruling, our aim here is not to rule, we had rulers in this country in the past, in the days of kings and kingdoms, but those days are gone now, now whoever we elect is going to be a servant of the people, your servant is what the person who is elected should say and not the other way about” said Dr. Munavvar whose campaign theme is “Your Servant”.

MDP to hold presidential debates

2008-03-28T00:01:00.001-07:00

Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has revealed that presidential primary debates will soon be held under the initiative of some media stakeholders. According to MDP two debates has been scheduled. One debate is scheduled for 2 April while the other is scheduled for 23 April. MDP says that the number of debates, time and organizers of the debate was reached at a meeting held by the party yesterday morning.

MDP also says in addition the 3 candidates competing in the primaries, 3 media groups who initiated the debates also attended the meeting. The 3 media groups are Jazeera, Haamaa Daily and Dhi FM. MDP also informed that Maldives Media Association and members of MDP Presidential Primary 2008 Committee also attended the meeting. MDP further revealed that the main point highlighted at the meeting was the exposure the candidates will receive due to the debate. MDP Secretariat informs if TVM does not agree to give live coverage to the debates then the party will buy airtime from other channels to bring the debate live to the people.

EU worrying about constitutional delays

2008-03-28T00:00:00.001-07:00

European Union has expressed its deep worries over the delay in completing the constitutional reform in the Maldives. This was stated in a press release issued at the end of the recent visit to Maldives of EU's Director for Asia James Moran. Moran who met with President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and various ministers has said "it will be a great blow to the country to fall at the last hurdle, with so much achieved and a clear momentum underway".

During his discussions two major challenges included the need to finalize the Constitution at the next Special Majlis so as to have time to establish the independent commissions, especially for election, police and judiciary, which will be so crucial in assuring free and fair elections, the statement said. On preparations for elections and the reform road map, Mr. Moran stated that he was impressed by the progress made in the last two years.

But he recognized that there was great pressure on the government and opposition parties to finish on time. Moran took the opportunity to announce an expansion immediately in the EU's support for elections' preparation. He outlined there will be a team sent over the actual period of the elections to assess the electoral process as well as plans to mobilize parliamentarians, diplomats and others to assist in observation of the election day. The EC agreed with President Gayoom and his ministers new initiatives to deepen the strategic ties and cooperation between the EU and Maldives. Building on the current successful political cooperation between EU and Maldives to combat global climate change, Mr. Moran announced that aid funds will be provided to help this fragile island state build further "safe islands".

EC also announced to extend support to Maldives to help combat drugs abuse in the country, a social menace that threatens both Maldives and Europe alike and which both are keen to cooperate on. Mr. Moran visited Maldives from 19 to 29 March.

Qasim has revealed the truth - Hassan

2008-03-27T23:59:00.000-07:00

Mr. Hassan Latheef member of the Drafting Panel of the Drafting Committee of the Special Majlis has said that the truth has been revealed due to Speaker Qasim’s press statement over DRP allegations and remarks made at DRP news conference regarding the appointment of members to the Drafting Panel. He said the press statement has helped to ease the public tension and confusion the allegations caused.

He said the action of Speaker Qasim shows his commitment to democratic reform. He said at a time when allegations were made against the member of the Drafting Panel in such a manner that may impair the credibility of the Majlis and that of constitution Speaker Qasim’s action shows his commitment to the responsibilities of his office. Member of Dhivehi Rahyithunge Party (DRP) Parliamentary Group as well as Member of Parliament for Addu Atoll Ibrahim Shareef at the news conference held on the 2 of this month said that the Draft Transitional Chapter was drafted by the Chairman of the Drafting Committee Ibrahim Ismail (Ibra), in a very unilateral manner by using the influence and powers of his position.

MP Shareef said the draft transitional chapter released by MP Ibrahim Ismail (Ibra) was not a draft compiled according to the proposals and ideas of the Drafting Committee or of the Majlis. He said that draft was formulated with the help of Liberal Party members of the Drafting Committee. MP Shareef also said that some of the members of the Panel were appointed against the Majlis regulations said that in process of drafting the transitional chapter technical advice of the Professor Sumeizer, technical expert, brought to provide technical assistance was never sought.

However Speaker of the Special Majlis Qasim in the statement said that all members of the Drafting Panel were appointed as per the article 29 of the Majlis regulations by the speaker of the Special Majlis with the advice of the Drafting Committee. In this regard the statement noted that members were indeed released from their respective offices for their work at the Drafting Panel by the President himself. Further the statement contradicting what DRP claimed at the news conference held on the 2 of this month highlighted that the Drafting Panel was neither established by the Chairman of the Drafting Committee nor was established to carry out his private work.

“If Speaker did not provide any response then the matter would have always remained in a cloud of doubt, the people knows the truth now, Speaker Qasim’s assertive and responsible action has revealed the truth” said Mr. Latheef.

Judges & Magistrates not part of Civil Service –Minister

2008-03-27T23:58:00.000-07:00

Minister of Justice Ahmed Muiz Adnan has stated that judges and magistrates do not come under civil service and as such the Civil Service Commission does not have the mandate to issue retirement notices. Justice Minister made the statement speaking to Miadhu Daily.

Justice Minister said under the Civil Service Act all those appointed by the President under clause (a) of article 42 of the constitution is excluded from Civil Service. He pointed out that Judges are included in the list of appointments mentioned in clause (a) of the article 42 and as such does not come under the Civil Service.

Justice Minister Muiz explained that although the article 42 refers to “Fadiyaaru” (person who makes the final ruling in a court of law), judges and magistrates are the same. He said although for administrative purposes different titles exist, judges and magistrates take the same oath as stipulated in the constitution and the word ”Fadiyaaru” mentioned in the article 42 includes judges and magistrates.

He further said as far as Justice Ministry is concerned judges and magistrates are not part of Civil Service and he will not accept those compulsory retirement notices issued by the Commission to judges and magistrates as valid. Under the retirement article included in the civil service act more than 33 magistrates and a judge have been given retirement notices by the civil service commission said Mr. Muiz Justice Minister.

Mr. Muiz also said corrective measures have been initiated. Civil Service Commission informs that appointments and dismissals by the President under article 42 conform to certain guidelines and procedures. The commission says that those appointments mentioned in article 42 are made directly by the President through a letter of appointments. The commission also said the procedures employed by the President in his appointments and dismissals and the procedures used by rest of the employees are very different.

The commission noted that judges and magistrates are appointed and dismissed by the Public Service Division through a chit. Commission also pointed out that responsible officers of the government are fully aware of these differences. The commission also pointed out that the letter sent by the President Office to hand over some of the responsibilities of the Public Service Division clearly states that judges and magistrates come under the Civil Service Commission.

Robert Evans MEP speaks about Elections in the S. Asia Region

2008-03-27T12:37:00.000-07:00

“Can Change, Will Change”: Ibra Launches Presidential Campaign

2008-03-27T12:29:00.001-07:00

Ibrahim Ismail (Ibra), Member of Parliament and leader of the fledgling Social Liberal Party (SLP) on Monday launched his campaign to become the next president of the Maldives under the slogan “Can change, will change”.

In his speech, held at the Dharubaaruge conference centre in the capital, Malé, key pledges were the eradication of drug abuse and 20 per cent of the state budget to be spent on education.

He also emphasised his role in the drawing up of the constitution currently being finalised. As chair of the drafting committee, he is credited with mediating between parties during the document’s development.

Change

Ibra was among the first last year to declare his candidacy for this year’s elections, which will be the first multi-party presidential polls the country has seen.

Speaking last night, he told an audience of several hundred he was committed to delivering on promises, and said: “All that I have promised I have delivered, raising the voice of the people’s opinion.”

Citing his activist credentials as a former president of the largest opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) who has been jailed for political activity, Ibra spoke of the notorious death of Evan Naseem in police custody in 2003.

“I do not want to see my child dead, rather I die fighting to make sure I secure a peaceful future,” he said.

And stressing the need for change in a country where the same leader has ruled for almost three decades, he said: "we can bring about this change and we will bring about this change."

Education

Although he said it was “too early” to make many detailed pledges, drugs and education would be top priorities.

Saying he would allocate twenty per cent of the state budget to education, he added the “legacy” of current president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom was to “keep people destitute”.

Asked about budget redistribution, he said he was waiting for data from government sources, but that his budgeting would be in line with the “policy framework”, adding that currently “government stated policy did not translate into budget policy”.

And while bribery and vote-buying have been familiar allegations in past elections, Ibra maintained that he would not “give a laari to get a vote”.

Constitution

Ibra was elected as a member of the People’s Majlis (parliament) for the capital, Malé, in January 2005 and is also well-known for his position as chair of the constitutional drafting committee.

Saying he will bring about change through implementing the constitution, Ibra said his central role in developing it meant he was best qualified to carry the changes through.

The final chapter of the constitution, which deals with transitional arrangements in the run-up to elections and will also set an election date, is still in progress, although disputes between the ruling DRP and opposition members have stalled work.

Ibra is the sixth presidential contender to launch a campaign, with three currently competing for the Maldivian Democratic Party ticket in the run up to the party’s primaries next month.

Other presidential hopefuls include leader of the Islamic Democratic Party Umar Naseer and former attorney general Hassan Saeed, of the New Maldives Movement.

2008-03-27T12:25:00.001-07:00

MDP presidential primary candidate Reeko Moosa Manik began a 3 day campaign tour to norther Atolls, Haa Alif and Haa Dhaal on Thursday. His first public meeting was in HA. Ihavandhoo.

The next meeting will be in HA. Hanimaadhoo, Violem Maalam at 4:00 pm on Friday as well as a meeting in HDh. Kulhudhuffushi at 08:00pm. On Saturday he will attend a meeting in Ha. Hoarafushi, at 04:00pm and the meeting will be held in the Hoarafushi School hall.

MDP presidential candidates to participate in live debates

2008-03-27T12:24:00.001-07:00

Male' - According to official sources, the Maldivian Democratic Party's presidential candidates will be taking part in two live debates next month. The first one is schedule for 2nd April and is organised by Media Association in conjunction with other media groups, such as DhiFM Radio, Jazeera and Haama Daily newspapers.

The second debate will be on 23rd April, which is organised by DhiFM Radio group. In a meeting held on Thursday, the main issue of discussion is that despite requests from media groups, the Dictator is unwilling to give the candidates any television exposure.

The TVM, run by Kutti Nasheed, is refusing to agree to cover these two debates. Another clear sign that the Maldives Dictator is unable to digest the basic elements of free election and campaigning. MDP and the organisers of these debates are now looking into buying airtime from satellite broadcasting channels.

Ibra launches presidential campaign

2008-03-27T12:21:00.000-07:00

Promising not to spend even a single cent from his own pocket to buy votes or to gain an unfair advantage in the oncoming presidential elections Ibrahim Ismail MP for Male’ as well as Leader of Social Liberal Party Ibrahim Ismail (Ibra) launched his presidential campaign held at Dharubaaruge last Monday night.

Speaking at the ceremony Ibra said, so far there has never been a free and fair election held at in the country. He said if the oncoming presidential election is held impartially in a manner that is free and fair and if President Gayoom then wins the elections he would be too glad to accept it.

“If President Gayoom wins without exerting influence and pressure I would welcome and accept it as then it would be the people’s wish, their decision. But then that means I will have to try and sell my ideas and thoughts to the people once more, I will have to try and change their way of thinking, or else I will have to wait until the thinking of the majority of the people change, or accept the fact that my thinking is different from that of the majority, or move to somewhere else, migrate to another country may be. I don’t believe even if President Gayoom wins with a huge majority, he would maintain justice in the country” Ibra said.

Ibra who launched his campaign under the slogan “we can bring change; we will bring change” also talked about the pain and torture inflicted on the people during the rule of President Gayoom. He said it is fact that will never change. He said the people in the recent past were afraid to voice their opinion against the government for fear of harsh reprisals. He pointed that this fear led the country to its present status quo.

MP for Male’ Ibra spelled out the priorities of a government led by him. He said eradication of the dangers of drug abuse being faced with the country as well as improving the quality and standard of education and health care would be his top priorities. In this regard he promised to spend as much as 20% of the national budget on education. He also pledged to establish a fair and impartial judiciary in the country.

Majlis rejects Bill on Court Procedures

2008-03-27T12:20:00.002-07:00

People’s Majlis yesterday rejected the Bill on Court Procedures proposed by MP for Fuvahmulah Mohamed Ibrahim Didi.

When the Bill was put to vote to ascertain whether it be accepted or rejected, the Bill was rejected by the Majlis. 20 out of 31 members voted in favor of accepting the Bill to the Majlis while none voted against. 11 members remained neutral.

Majority of the members said that such a Bill was important to establish a strong judicial system. Other members expressed that it was important to accept the Bill and forward it to the committee.

Speaking at the Majlis session MP for Addu Atoll Mohamed Aslam said a strong and independent judiciary was important but the Bill requires to strengthened and worked up on so that it may reflect principles acceptable to the people. He said in most atolls justice system is not very effective.

“If the island court is unable to proceed with a case, it will be transferred to a court in Male’, if the person being prosecuted is unable to come to Male’, in many instances, he is sentenced in absentia, life sentences have given in absentia, now this is very sad” said MP for Addu Atoll.
Speaking in support of the Bill, Mp for South Nilandhe Atoll Ahmed Hamza said a huge effort is required to strengthen the judiciary.

Members supporting DRP said that such a Bill is only required when the new constitution comes in to force. President’s Member Fathin Hameed expressed the need to have an open, strong and independent judiciary and that proposed Bill needs to take into consideration the current Procedures of Trials.

MP Mohamed Ibrahim Didi who proposed the Bill said the intent of the Bill is to gain the trust and confidence of the people towards judiciary.

This election will be difficult for Gayoom to win – Dr. Waheed

2008-03-27T12:20:00.001-07:00

Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik, key personality working to establish political party, National Alliance, as well as former MDP member has said that unlike previous presidential elections held in Maldives, President Gayoom will find it difficult to win the oncoming presidential elections scheduled for late this year.

Speaking to Miadhu Daily Dr. Waheed said even though President Gayoom may face difficulties it is quite possible that he might win the elections. However other opposition candidates say that President Gayoom will not win the oncoming presidential elections and that this will be the year that will bring an end to President Gayoom’s long reign.

When asked whether he believed that impartial elections can be held he said free and fair elections is only possible with certain institutions in place. In this regard Dr. Waheed pointed out such institutions like Elections Commissions should be established. He further members of the Special Majlis has made some important proposals and that without those amendments in place he does not believe free and fair elections are a possibility.

“In order to have free and fair elections, certain institutions need to be in place like an independent elections commission, members of the Special Majlis has proposed some important amendments, all these need to be in place to ensure the impartiality of election” said Dr. Waheed.
In addition Dr. Waheed said he has decided to give up his UN job and come back to Maldives in order to serve the people. However according to some analysts he may change his mind the way he did following his defeat in his bid to win MDP presidency.

Dr. Waheed was previously a leading MDP member who contested for the party presidency at the second congress of the party. Further in addition to holding several key government positions also served as MP for Male’.

Dr. Waheed to come back to serve the people

2008-03-27T12:19:00.001-07:00

Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik, key personality working to establish the political party National Alliance has revealed that he has finally made up his mind to give up his current UN job and return to Maldives to serve the people. Dr. Waheed is a former MDP member who contested for the party presidency at the second congress of the party.

Speaking to Miadhu Daily from abroad Dr. Waheed said he will make a decision on whether to compete in the oncoming presidential elections or not only after his arrival .
“I can tell you how it is very clearly, I have not yet made any decision whether to stand elections or not, I will make a decision only after going to Male’ and after considering the support I have, I would also like to discuss it with my supporters before making such a decision” said Dr. Waheed who also a former MP for Male’

In addition Dr. Waheed pointed out that it is a bit early for him to make a decision on standing elections as he is due to arrive in Maldives in late May this year. He also noted that the ongoing constitutional reform is also not completed.

“I will be there in Male’ in late May, for me it’s a bit early to make an announcement on standing elections, main reason is constitutional reform is not complete as yet, transitional discussions only began recently, it will not be wise to make a decision without taking all this in to consideration” said Waheed.

Munavvar pledges people power

2008-03-27T12:18:00.001-07:00

We are starting a historic journey in Dhihdhoo to usher a new era of people power and justice in the Maldives said Dr. Munavvar MDP President at the launching ceremony of his campaign for MDP primaries to elect a candidate for contesting in the upcoming presidential election.

Dr. Munavvar speaking to a large crowd in Dhihdhoo said that he is contesting in the primaries in the hope to become MDP presidential candidate and if the people elect him as the new president of the country, he will structure the government in such a way to give real power to the people and serve them faithfully to ensure better and a dignified life for them.

Dr. Munavvar said the revised constitution will provide much freedom and rights for the people and he will make sure that he will be a servant of the people in translating the provisions of the constitution and the rights of the people in to action and he will be committed to discharge that duty diligently.

Dr. Munavvar said one of the big challenges faced by the people is to end the rule of President Gayoom and usher in a new leadership which will truly represent and serve the people. He said that he has chosen “your servant“as the theme of his campaign because people are the real power and the president is their servant.

Dr. Munavvar expressed concern about the lack of sincerity of President Gayoom in bringing the reform he has promised which the MDP and many others spearheaded and that is the reason of the freedom and rights Maldivians are enjoying today. He said President Gayoom has not been true to his promise and ideals of reform as he has announced he will be the presidential candidate for DRP contradicting his words and sprit of reform. The fact that he has announced to stand for re election severely undermines the objective of reform as he has himself announced in the reform program that the presidential terms will be restricted to maximum of two terms.

MDP president also said that MDP and others struggling and sacrificing for reform is confident of victory and winning the presidency even if Mr. Gayoom contests. But he said there is no legal ground for Mr. Gayoom or anyone to serve as president for more than two terms under the revised constitution.
Munavvaru pointed out that President Gayoom has been telling repeatedly that MDP and other opposition parties are afraid of competing him for fear of defeat. But Dr. Munavvar said they have no fear or doubts of standing in the election and defeating Mr. Gayoom.

Munvvar mentioned it is rather a matter of conscience and principle. It is against the fundamentals of the revised constitution. Therefore we will do everything to challenge him and to prevent him from contesting, if necessary the Supreme Court will make the ultimate decision if he does not respect the constitution.

Munavvar said that the pulse of the Maldivians are felt everywhere and they are eagerly waiting for change of leadership and system that will protect their rights and provide them with a meaningful life.

Gayoom Launches Logo, Defends Development Record

2008-03-24T10:14:00.000-07:00

President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom on Friday launched the logo of his campaign for re-election, ahead of the first polls in which he will face opponents rather than just a yes-no referendum.He also launched a defence of his record on the economy, saying those critical of the country’s economic direction “do not remember” life before the growth of the tourism industry, now the country’s largest.

The meaning of the new logo, which depicts the palm of a hand, remains unclear, but the deputy media coordinator of the ruling Dhivehi Raiyyithunge Party (DRP), Faida Farouk, said: “He always waves to his people...it’s been a gesture from the president ever since he became president.”And the DRP insisted the event, its 29th annual meeting, did not constitute a campaign launch, as regulations forbid campaigning until the Elections Commissioner has set a date for the polls.

Party officials say the president has no campaign team as yet, but in his role as party president he is by default the presidential candidate, and has indicated he will stand.A running mate will be selected at the upcoming DRP Congress in May, with the decision widely seen as a choice between the president’s own family members – such as half-brother Abdullah Yameen, still a DRP member despite leaving government to form the People’s Association political group – and his wife’s family, including brother-in-law and health minister Ilyas Ibrahim.Finance minister Gasim Ibrahim has also been mentioned as a possible running mate, though he is also thought to support the opposition financially.

At Friday’s event, at which the president spoke along with MPs Thasmeen Ali, Mohamed Saleem, Ibrahim Thahir and Moosa Nizar, as well as the head of the party’s Addu women’s group, President Gayoom said he wished to counter the “misinformation” that there had been “no development” during his 29-year rule.“Someone who is 29 or even 35 would not know what it was like before,” said Gayoom. “Our per capita income used to be US $30, now it is US $3,000.”With tourism taking off in the 1970s, shortly before Gayoom came to power in 1978, he has long taken credit for the development which will in 2011 enable Maldives to graduate from Least Developed Country (LDC) status internationally.

But presidential rivals have begun attacking him on the economy, arguing wealth is not redistributed and state budgets unsustainable.And trade body the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) said it was “sidelined” by government, and that “major decisions” were being made on an “ad hoc” basis for the sake of short term cash flow.Meanwhile spiralling inflation has led to protests from construction industry leaders, who say they cannot afford to maintain the construction boom.However the president on Friday emphasised rising educational standards, increasing numbers of Maldivians able to study overseas, and “sound planning”, promising increased consultation with the public.

The party also called for volunteers to help in the upcoming campaign, and says its meeting had over 5,000 attendees.Elections are slated for later this year, with the president’s term due to end in November, though an exact date is currently waiting on the completion of the constitutional reform process.

Members support Shareef’s bid for Vice Leadership

2008-03-24T10:08:00.000-07:00

Senior Dhivehi Rahyithunge Party (DRP) members have said that the most suitable person to fill the vacant vice leader position of the party is the party’s parliamentary group member as well as MP for Addu Atoll Ibrahim Shareef.

According to reliable information received key party members has expressed their support to Addu Shareef’s intention to compete for the position.

In the light of the information received, Miadhu Daily asked some key DRP members about their views on the matter. They all were unanimous in their support to Shareef. Members said that Shareef was a capable and very vocal supporter of party policies in the Majlis and that he was the best person for the job. There is no reason why Shareef cannot be a vice leader they said.

Umar rows to Hirilandhoo in Bokkuraa

2008-03-24T10:06:00.000-07:00

President of Islamic Democratic Party (IDP) as well as the party’s presidential candidate Umar Naseer has rowed on a small bokkura (boat) to Hirilandhoo of Haa Dhaalu Atoll while on a tour of North Maldives.

IDP informs that when Umar was still on the boat many Hirilandhoo islanders came to receive him on small bokkuraas. However Umar chose to row all by himself to the island where he was met large number of supporters.

“Many islanders came to receive him and take him to the island of Hirilandhoo, but Umar chose to experience the difficulty faced with the islanders in getting on and off the island first hand” said Vice President of IDP Umar Naseer.

Umar while on Hirilandhoo talked to the people of the island and inquired about their general living conditions as well as their difficulties. He also visited important historical sites and places of the island.

Umar’s visit to the Hirilandhoo is part of his tour to islands of North Maldives to get ready for the presidential elections scheduled for later this year. IDP informs that Umar is expected to visit all the inhabited islands of the north. IDP also informs that so far Umar has visited 46 inhabited islands of North Maldives.

No preferences on election of running mate - DRP

2008-03-23T09:52:00.001-07:00

Dhivehi Rahyithunge Party (DRP) has stated that the party does not have any preferences in the election of President Gayoom’s running mate. DRP made the statement in response to an article posted in Maidhu Daily under the heading Thasmeen to be running mate of President Gayoom via a new release issued by the party.

According to the new release of DRP the party makes all its decisions by utilizing the institutions formed by the party in an open, transparent and democratic manner.

“In this regard we would like to assure all concerned that DRP will make all its decisions in an open, transparent and democratic manner. The 2 vice presidents of the party mentioned in the article posted in Miadhu Daily on the 19 of this month are 2 important personalities who has made valuable contributions to the party and is much loved by the members” states the news release.

The article written by Miadhu Daily’s Addu Bureau Chief Moosa Saaid noted that reliable information was received to the paper that 2 of the 3 vice presidents of DRP have shown keen interest to be the running mate. In this regard the article pointed put that Baa Atoll member as the current Atolls Minister Ahmed Thasmeen Ali was the choice of many party members to be the running mate. Also just as members support Minister Thasmeen to be the running mate, other party members support Finance Minister Qasim who is a very popular Vice Leader with the part members in addition to being one of the most people in the country.

Many trying to discredit me & party – DRP Leader

2008-03-23T09:51:00.003-07:00

Leader of Dhivehi Rahyithunge Party (DRP) and the President of the Maldives Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has said that many are working to discredit the government, DRP and the president of the country. He made the statement speaking at a general assembly of the held yesterday night at Kalaafaanu School.

Speaking at the general assembly Maumoon Abdul Gayoom said that the main weapon used by these people were outright lies and that they are attempting to cloud the minds of the people with these lies.

“We must not ignore these audacious attempts, we have to come out and face these issues, we must present the truth to the people of this country, we have to clarify to them how things were in the past and how it is now, we have to inform the facts to the people in order to prove to them the truth” said Leader of DRP Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.

Leader Maumoon further pointed out that although opposition people claim that the country made no significant progress in the last 29 years, Maldives is the richest country in the region. He said Maldives has the highest per capita income in the region. He said that the present living conditions of the people illustrate this fact by their use of modern facilities and conveniences in their day to day life. He said average Maldivians use mobile phones, TV’s, home theater systems and many other modern facilities. He said this progress and prosperity is the direct result of tireless work of some people.

“We have reached this stage as a result of the tireless efforts of the people engaged in various sectors, we have ways to reveal the truth in spite of these false allegations aimed to discredit us” said President Gayoom.

Leader of DRP Maumoon further said that the dangers and challenges posed by opposing parties as a result of these false allegations are being experienced. He said as a result the party ranks must be strengthened.

“DRP is formed to serve the entire country, to serve the people, to advance the economic and social progress of the people, to maintain peace and security of the country, to bring democratic reform to the country, to improve the country’s self sufficiency” said Leader Gayoom calling on party members to work tirelessly to achieve these objectives of the party.

“Party and government is completely different, government has the respect of the people, party has the love of the people, government has many DRP members but these are two different institutions, we as a party have to think about these things and propose new and brave ideas to the government, this is what connects the government and the people in a country which follows party system” said Maumoon.

DRP Leader also talked about forthcoming presidential elections. He said the elections would be free and fair. He called on members to work to win the presidential elections and the parliamentary elections scheduled for this year.

At the general assembly held yesterday night DRP Leader’s logo and slogan was revealed. Vice Leader Ahmed Thasmeen Ali and member of Parliamentary Group Member Mohamed Saleem also addressed the gathering.

Eligible voter list nearing completion – Elections Office

2008-03-23T09:51:00.001-07:00

Commissioner of Elections Office has revealed that in the ongoing work to prepare a list of eligible voter list, information from all the atolls except 3 atolls have been collected.

Mohamed Tholal, Assistant Director General at the Commissioners Office speaking to Miadhu Daily said in the ongoing work to prepare an accurate eligible voter list information from all the atolls except 3 have been collected and that currently rechecking of the lists form the completed atolls are being carried out.

“We have received the lists from all atolls except 3 and currently lists are being re checked from the completed atolls” said Tholal.

He said although he is unable as yet to provide a date when the list would be compiled, work is progressing speedily. When asked how long a period will be provided for the public to submit amendments after completion of the voter list, he replied that such things were not finalized as there no date has been fixed for the elections as well.

Tholal further said tremendous support is being from National Registration Department in the compilation of the list and that DNR was also in the process of compiling a separate list as well.

Tholal also said in the elections scheduled for October government offices, all parties and private organizations will work to provide logistical support. He said work is being carried out to ensure free, fair and open elections.

President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom on several occasions has reiterated his support free, fair and multiparty elections.

Shareef to take MDP seriously if controlled by reformists

2008-03-23T09:50:00.001-07:00

MP for Addu Atoll as well as Member of DRP Parliamentary Group Ibrahim Shahreef has said that if Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) comes under the control of those members working for reform then he would take the party very seriously. MP Shareef was formally a key MDP member who later joined DRP.

MP Shareef speaking to Miadhu Daily said that he resigned from MDP due to pressures of the former chairperson of the party. He said it was almost impossible to work for reform with such pressures and if MDP ever comes under the control of those MDP members who still sincerely work for reform he would take the party seriously.

“I resigned from MDP as I believed that I could not make any valuable contribution towards reform due to excessive pressures from the then chairperson of the party Mohamed Nasheed (Anni), If I see a different picture for example if those reform oriented members of MDP take charge of that party then I will take the party very seriously” said MP Shareef.

He further said that the current President of MDP Dr. Mohamed Munavvar was a capable and farsighted leader with a sound political vision. He also said under Dr. Munavvar’s leadership MDP has seen favorable changes but that Anni still tries to exert his influence.
“Current MDP leader is a strong and a capable leader, under his leadership MDP has seen many favorable changes, however we can still see Anni exerting his influence” said Shareef.

In addition Shareef pointed out that activists, revolutionary leaders and reform leaders are 3 separate groups of people. He said Dr. Munavvar was a political leader working to introduce democratic reform to the country.

Anni and Dr. Munavvar are both competing in the MDP primaries to win the presidential nomination.

Speaking to Miadhu Daily MP Shareef did not specifically rule out joining MDP altogether. However he criticized Anni’s attempts to exert influence over the party and called it undemocratic.

Ibra to launch campaign tomorrow

2008-03-23T09:49:00.002-07:00

Leader of Social Liberal Party (SLP) Ibrahim Ismail (Ibra) has revealed that he would launch his presidential campaign tomorrow.

Speaking to Miadhu Daily last night Ibra said he is competing as an independent candidate. He said this is because the Commissioner of Elections has not issued the registration certificate of his party. According to Ibra the campaign will be launched at a ceremony held at Dharubaaruge tomorrow night.

In addition to Ibra there are two other candidates who have announced their presidential bid as independent candidates. They are former Attorney General Dr. Hassan Saeed and former MDP member Idham Muiz Adnan of Gulfaamuge.

Two party candidates have announced their presidential bids. They are Leader of Dhivehi Rayithunge Party (DRP) Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and President of Islamic Democratic Party (IDP Umar Naseer.

The main opposition party (MDP) will soon elect their presidential candidate. Party primaries are going on to elect the candidate. Three candidates are competing in the primaries. They are president of the party Dr. Mohamed Munavvar, former chairperson Mohamed Nasheed (Anni) and parliamentary group member Ricco Moosa Manik.

Chief architect of progress is with DRP - Thasmeen

2008-03-23T09:49:00.001-07:00

Vice Leader of Dhivehi Rahyithunge Party (DRP) Ahmed Thasmeen Ali has said that as the party gears up for the forthcoming presidential elections, he was glad that actual architect of prosperity and progress that is being experienced in the country, is with the party.

Speaking at the general assembly of the party held last Friday night at Kalaafaanu School, Vice Leader Thasmeen said the main reason why Maldives is on the list of developing nations is President Gayoom’s farsighted policies. Thasmeen pointed out the improvements to the general living conditions of the people was due to such sound policies of President Gayoom and that it was a success for the party to have him as their Presidential candidate.

He further said some elements of the society were hard at work to destroy the good image of the country. He said although these people were inviting foreign influence over countries internal affairs, no body should see the reforms being introduced to the country as a path way for stirring up trouble. He further said such opportunities should not be allowed and should not be given. He said no foreign party should be allowed to exert influence over the internal affairs of the country.

Speaking at the gathering DRP Leader Maumoon Abdul Gayoom said that this was challenging times and everybody should be alert.

Ricco Moosa opens campaign office

2008-03-23T09:48:00.002-07:00

Ricco Moosa Manik, member of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Parliamentary Group as well as MP for Laamu Atoll has opened a campaign office in Male’. MP Ricco Moosa is competing in the party presidential primaries.

Moosa’s campaign was launched at Kalaafaanu School under the slogan “people’s government to the people”. Moosa’s main area of concern in his opening campaign speech was the growing drug abuse in the country and corruption.

In his opening campaign speech Moosa promised to control the growing issues drug abuse within one year and said he will look in to the corruption issues closely.

MDP presidential primaries are being contested by 3 candidates. They are candidate no 1 Dr. Mohamed Munavvar , President of the Party, candidate no 2 Ricco Moosa Manik, Member of MDP Parliamentary Group as well as MP for Laamu Atoll and candidate no 3 Mohamed Nasheed (Anni) former chairperson of the party.

This is the time to discuss and find solutions – Dr. Hassan

2008-03-23T09:48:00.001-07:00

Dr. Hassan Saeed former Attorney General as well as a leading presidential candidate has said that this is the time to discuss and solve issues. Dr. Hassan said so speaking at the ceremony held at Central Hotel to launch his presidential manifesto.

Speaking at the ceremony Dr. Hassan pointed out that if one out of every 3 youth is involved in drug abuse then the country has no future. He said considering the speed at which drug abuse is spreading across the country one out every 3 is either an addict or on the way to becoming one. Stressing on the importance and urgency of the matter Dr. Hassan said immediate and urgent steps are needed to curb the issue and that if the present trend continues then 2 out of every 3 would soon become victims.

“Import of drugs has increased from grams to kilos and now from kilos to tons, as such this is an issue of national concern, this is the time to debate and find solutions to these national issues, this is not the time to post defaming article on websites and newspapers” said Dr. Hassan Saeed.

According to Dr. Hassan Saeed the issue of drugs became a national concern when those government institutions tasked with preventing and controlling the issue were sleeping. He said in order to solve the problem the real cause of the problem must be ascertained. He further said time and money is required to solve the problem as well. According to Dr. Hassan import of drugs in to the country is through two countries. He pointed out the two countries were India and Sri Lanka. He noted that import of drugs can only be prevented by close cooperation with these countries.

Dr. Hassan noted that all over the world drug trafficking is well organized crime. In order to find a solution all government offices must work together. Dr. Hassan further said under a government led by him an independent Drug Enforcement Agency would be established.

“Drug trafficking is an organized crime, we have to give out stern punishment, there are people in Maldives who deal in drugs with tall buildings, cars, jeeps, boats; and we know these people as well” said Dr. Hassan.

Speaking on the issues that would be addressed under a government led by him, Dr. Hassan said, “government is spending a lot of money, yet the result is zero, health scheme need to strengthened, we have to address issues of housing for all those in need of it, provide adequate entertainment facilities for the every body, provide job opportunities, provide the opportunity for everybody to live with dignity and happiness”.

Former Justice Minister Mohamed Jameel speaking at the ceremony when ever the country loose the services of a youth, it is a time when the country loose hope. He said the most important work for anybody working to better the future of the country is find out what can be done for the youths of the country and that most valuable and important assets of the country are the youths of the country.

Maldives will get a new president this year – Dr. Shaheed

2008-03-23T09:47:00.000-07:00

Dr. Ahmed Shaheed former Foreign Minister has said that Maldives would get a new President following the presidential elections scheduled later in the year. Dr. Shaheed said that President Gayoom can choose anybody within the DRP to be his running mate in the elections and that it would not make any difference.

Speaking to Miadhu Daily Dr. Shaheed said that choosing Atolls Minister Thasmeen Ali to be the running mate would be like “cutting off the branch one is sitting on” and that the only way for President Gayoom to get any success is by choosing Finance Minister Qasim for the position. However Dr. Shaheed said it would hardly affect the election results whether President Gayoom choose Minister Qasim or Minister Thasmeen and that he was confident Maldives would get a new president after the elections.

Dr. Shaheed also said only way for President Gayoom to get any success would be to get the support of Minister Qasim.

“Choosing Thasmeen over Qasim would be a serious mistake” said Dr. Shaheed speaking via telephone from abroad.

He also said even if President Gayoom choose KD Ahmed Manik to be running mate it would hardly matter as there is simply no way President Gayoom can win this elections.

“Even if he choose KD Ahmed Manik to be his running mate it would hardly matter, this is simply not his year, this year belong to a young energetic and capable leader, this year Maldives would get a new leader” said Dr. Shaheed.

Anni launches campaign website

2008-03-21T10:39:00.000-07:00

Male' - Mohamed Nasheed (Anni), one of the 3 candidates contesting in the presidential primary of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has launched his official website www.voteanni.com, to provide information about the campaign to party members and wider public. Other candidates are expected to launch their sites shortly. The ballot is scheduled to take place on 25th April 2008. On the same day, party members will also elect a new chairperson.

CSC says Nasheed is lying

2008-03-21T10:35:00.000-07:00

Civil Service Commission (CSC) has denied Legal Reform Minister Nasheed’s statement that he was on several occasions invited the commission to discuss amendment to the Civil Service Act. Commission stated that Reform Minister’s allegations were an outright lie.

Speaking at the Majlis session held on the 18 of this month, Minister Nasheed claimed that he invited Dr. latheef President of the CSC for discussions on the amendment to the Civil Service Act on 2 occasion and the each time he was given a deaf year.

“I did invite Dr. Latheef for discussions on the subject, do you what he said? He told me that his view and opinions were not required as he was there to implement the Bill once passed” said Legal Reform Minister Nasheed at the Majlis session.

However Civil Service Commission in a news release said that no government body invited the commission for any dialogue concerning the proposed amendment to the Civil Service Act.

“The Commission is always and will always be ready to hold dialogue, in certain situations we are even initiating discussions, we were informed on the night of 23 February 2008 by telephone regarding the proposed amendments, and we immediately informed the party who contacted us that the commission was ready to discuss the amendments if needed” said the news release of the Civil Service Commission.

The News release also noted that on the day People’s Majlis was opened for the year 2008; Minister Nasheed as he came out of the Majlis Hall told Dr. Latheef President of the Commission that “we have to meet” and that Dr. Latheef informed him that the Commission was ready to meet when the government opens after week end holidays. However the Commission noted that when the government opened following the week end holidays on Sunday the amendments was proposed to the Majlis.

Leader is party’s most powerful weapon - Shafiu

2008-03-21T10:34:00.002-07:00

Chief Spokesperson of Dhivehi Rahyithunge Party (DRP) Ibrahim Shafiu has said that the most powerful and important weapon the party possess is its leader Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. Shafiu made the statement to Miadhu Daily when asked to comment on the views expressed by some political analysts that DRP would be defunct without Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.

He said that even though President Gayoom was the main architect and its leader, DRP policies are not based on one single person.

“Party’s main architect and driving force is its Leader Gayoom, he is the driving force behind the party, it’s manifesto, governing regulations and all its branches were established under his guidance and leadership, but the future is not depend on a single person” said Shafiu.

He further said the party’s main asset is its leader President Gayoom. Shafiu also pointed out that even if President Gayoom resigns from politics and party activities, DRP will be still strong and will be the main driving force in the country’s politics.

“As the party gears up for the presidential elections, our main asset is President Gayoom, but even if he gives up politics or resigns from the party, DRP will still be the main driving force in the country’s politics, the party will prosper from day to day” said Shafiu.

Further Shafiu said that President Gayoom poses a major challenge to all the opposition leaders.

MDP to boycott elections

2008-03-21T10:32:00.000-07:00

MDP Parliamentary Group last Thursday revealed that it will recommend to the party to boycott forthcoming presidential elections if the proposed amendments currently under considerations at the Majlis are endorsed. MDP Parliamentary Group revealed this at a news conference held last Thursday.

President of the MDP Parliamentary Group MP Hassan Afeef said that if the amendments are endorsed by the Majlis free and fair elections cannot be ensured. He said he was very concerned with the proposed amendments and if endorsed many civil servants can be politically influenced.

“If the amendments are endorsed more than 15,000 people will excluded from the Civil Service and will come under the direct influence of the government” said Afeef.

He said if the amendments are allowed to get through, Civil Service will be effectually without any powers and that many employees will come under the influence of President Gayoom. He said there was no sincerity in the proposed amendments.

“The idea is to influence atoll chiefs, islands chiefs and other senior atoll and island office officials to influence the presidential elections” said MP Afeef.

Male’ Member Mohamed Shihab speaking at the elections said the proposed amendments were designed to influence the elections and that if passed free and fair elections cannot be held. He said boycott of elections would be the best option.

Special Majlis To Reconvene On Sunday

2008-03-20T07:22:00.001-07:00

The Special Majlis (constitutional assembly) will meet on Sunday March 23rd even if the constitutional drafting panel and committee have failed to agree draft material on transitional arrangements to implement the constitution, Speaker of the Special Majlis Gasim Ibrahim has ruled.

The committee has found itself in deadlock over two different drafts proposed by the panel, as the ruling Dhivehi Raiyyithunge Party and largest opposition Maldivian Democratic Party have widely differing demands.

If no draft is forthcoming from the committee, parliamentarians must try to construct one themselves, Gasim has said.

MDP MPs Call For Election Boycott If Civil Service Amendments Pass

2008-03-20T07:21:00.000-07:00

Mohamed Shihab and Hassan Afeef of the largest opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) have called for political parties not to participate in the upcoming presidential elections if proposed amendments to the Civil Service Act pass a parliamentary vote.

Both are members of parliament, with Afeef heading the party parliamentary group. Opposition groups have argued the amendments are an attempt to regain presidential control over a large sector of the country’s civil servants ahead of the elections.

Debate in the Majlis (parliament) over the amendments continues, with a vote expected next week.

Clock Is Ticking”: EU Diplomats

2008-03-20T07:20:00.000-07:00

European Union diplomats visiting the Maldives on Wednesday warned that “the clock is ticking” for the country’s reform process, adding: “You can hear it all over Malé.”

During a trip that included meetings with the President, Attorney General and Elections Commissioner, the diplomats said they had seen “strong progress” in the Maldives, but warned the government not to “fall at the last fence” of democratic reform.

With the EU providing electoral support for the presidential elections expected this year, “if you fall at the last hurdle then it’s your and our own credibility that is at stake,” said James Moran, EU director for Asia.

Independent commissions are key to a free and fair election, the diplomats cautioned, adding putting a fully independent elections commission in place would require at least three months prior to the country’s first multi-party polls.

Despite pledges in the government’s much-publicised Roadmap to the Reform Agenda, the elections commission is still headed by a presidential appointee.

The three diplomats – Moran, ambassador to the Maldives Julian Wilson and South Asia Unit head Helen Campbell – were in the Maldives on a pre-election visit, and confirmed the EU would provide a degree of election observation and make a “very clear judgement” on whether the upcoming presidential polls are free and fair.

There is “enormous pressure given the need to have elections in the autumn of this year”, Moran said at a press conference held in the government’s Fansavees briefing hall in Malé. “As time passes, it will be harder and harder to get a credible electoral process.”

An active, independent police integrity commission and judicial services commission are also crucial, added Wilson. It would be “very serious for the international community” if these were not put in place.

And on the civil service commission – currently the subject of heated debate in the Majlis (parliament) – despite a reluctance to take a definite line on a matter “for the Maldivian people”, Moran said: “Independence, actual and perceived, is important. We would hope any parliamentary decision would be in that direction.”

However the early local elections favoured by the opposition would disrupt the timeframe possible before incumbent president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom completes his term in December, risking leaving “everything flawed because of a lack of time”, according to Wilson.

Constitutional reform is currently stalled following deadlock over transitional arrangements to implement the constitution in progress, but the diplomats said on Wednesday the president had assured them elections would not take place under the existing constitution, despite delays.

“This is one of the reasons I am confident in saying we will expand our electoral support,” said Moran.

The diplomats added they had seen an “impressive level of commitment” to change from both government and opposition, and praised the country’s implementation of the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), with Wilson saying this amounted to a “serious piece of surgery” on a national level.

The EU will not provide a full observation or monitoring mission for the presidential elections, which will be the culmination of a reform process that started in 2003.

But it has pledged an “expert team” of up to five members, one of whom is already stationed in Maldives to assist with pre-election issues such as voter registration and identification.

Closer to the time, “we will mobilise parliamentarians, diplomats and other eminent people to be here and assist with observation of the election,” said Moran.

Moosa Launches Campaign

2008-03-20T07:19:00.000-07:00

Presidential contender Reeko Moosa Manik on Tuesday launched his campaign for the largest opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) nomination with a pledge to solve the country’s drugs problem in a year through stringent police action, and an emphasis on the joint power of “all Maldivians” to effect political change.

The second MDP contender to hold a formal launch, Moosa followed Mohamed Nasheed (Anni) in kicking off his campaign at Malé’s Kalaafaanu School.

At an event which showed his trademark showmanship – much in evidence in sessions of the People’s Majlis (parliament) – Moosa issued special thanks to finance minister Gasim Ibrahim who “has been part of the reform process, along with the MDP”.

Emphasising the combined achievements of the reform movement, Moosa also credited key members of the party, including presidential rival Anni; unnamed business supporters; and “those who have secretly supported the reform effort” despite being part of the government of incumbent president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.

Tackling drugs and corruption are top priorities for the campaign, which emphasises Moosa as a man of the people. “You do not have to have a degree to be the president” of Maldives, he told an appreciative audience.

Campaign manager Mohamed Nazim, himself running for the party chairmanship, added that Moosa’s campaign will start immediately in the northern atolls, followed by visits to Gaaf Dhaal, Addu and Fuvahmulak in the south, timed to accommodate Moosa’s commitments as MP for Laamu Atoll.

And unlike other MDP members, Moosa emphasises police strength as key to combatting the endemic problems of drugs and gang violence in the country.

One of three contenders for the party nomination, Moosa is competing against former chairperson Anni and party president Dr Mohamed Munavvar.

Whilst Anni’s campaign was launched on March 7, Munavvar has yet to hold a formal launch.

A former film star, Moosa spent four years in jail in the 1980s for political activity. His brother, Reeko Ibrahim Manik, is president of the Maldivian Social Democratic Party (MSDP) and has said he may also seek the national presidency.

Dr Munavvar says his campaign is underway

2008-03-20T07:17:00.001-07:00

President of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Dr. Mohamed Munavvar has said that he has already commenced his campaign to win the MDP presidential primaries and that it is proceeding as planned. He made the statement to Miadhu Daily when asked to comment some people’s observations that the he was not carrying out any campaign whilst the other 2 candidates competing in the primaries were rigorously engaged in campaign activities.

Dr. Munavvar said that as this was a party internal election and that matters dealing with the elections should be conducted without compromising party objectives and targets.

“Even though I don’t carry out campaigning activities like the other candidates, my campaign work is also progressing. When dealing with elections, party objectives and targets must not be compromised. That is to compete in the first elections to be held under the revised constitution. It includes island and atoll council elections and parliamentary elections, so when I carry out campaign activities I have to deeply consider about these elections me being the party president” said Dr. Munavvar.

According to Dr. Munavvar he gives priority to party elections rather his own campaign.

“I have to deeply consider party elections, we have to plan out how to successfully win these elections, I am carrying on with the campaign as best as I can” said Dr. Munavvar.

Dr. Munavvar futher said that this was not the time to be thinking about electing a running mate and that it will done by the candidate who win the primaries.

“This is not the time to elect a running mate, the candidate who wins the primary will deal with it, that issue will be dealt with by the National Council” said MDP President Dr. Munavvar .

Ricco confident of winning MDP primary

2008-03-20T07:16:00.001-07:00

Ricco Moosa Manik MP for Laamu Atoll as well member of MDP Parliamentary Group has said that he is confident of wining the MDP presidential primaries. He made the statement while speaking at campaign function held at Kalaafaanu School yesterday night.

Speaking at the function Ricco Moosa Manik said that he is competing to win the party presidential nomination not because he is the best or the most educated and that he intend to run the country by delegating responsible positions to suitably qualified and educated people.

“There many educated people in this country, many without jobs, many PhD’s, I intend to run this country with the help of those educated people” said Moosa Manik.

Ricco Moosa Manik further said he was there in that position due to youths of the country and that in the past it was taboo for anybody to say he would rule the country.

“I am here because of the youths of this country, in that past it was haraam ( forbidden) for people to want power or just say they will rule the country, people who stood up against torture were put behind bars, I am calling for the immediate release of all those jailed for standing up against torture” said Ricco Moosa Manik.

He said that every businessmen and organizations support the democratic movement either morally or financially. He noted that the business community deserved the gratitude of all. In this regard he specially noted the current Finance Minister Qasim Ibrahim’s moral support and general financial assistance.

Ricco Moosa Manik said that an MDP government led by him will give priority to wipe out corruption from the country as well as rid the country from issues of drug abuse.

Launching his manifesto Moosa Manik said “a government led by me would give priority to wiping out corruption from the country as well as getting rid of the increasing issues of drug abuse, I can do that in one year, I will achieve this at what ever the cost, even by handing out harsh punishments, what we need is a free and a responsible media”.

Ricco Moosa further said that minimum wage of the country should be Rf.10, 000. He said population consolidation was part of his manifesto.

“Under my leadership no law would be amended to inflict torture to anybody, I will give the due respect to other candidates, think about other person’s dignity, I am confident of easily win this primary” said Moosa Manik.

The event was attended by large number of supporters, member of parliaments as well as members from the business community.

President meets European Commission delegation

2008-03-20T07:15:00.001-07:00

President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom yesterday met with the members of the visiting European Commission delegation.

The members of the EU delegation assured their continued support towards democratization in Maldives, and reaffirmed their commitment to extending election observer support to the Maldives during the multiparty presidential election scheduled for later in the year.

President briefed the delegation of the current status of the democratic reform agenda and noted the work to redraft the new constitution was nearing completion. Highlighting the EU was a key stakeholder in the democratic reform process he thanked the EU for their support and assistance to Maldives in key national issues, including the democratic reform agenda and the post tsunami recovery program. He also emphasized the high priority that the government attached to ensuring that the presidential election was free, fair and peaceful.

President and the members of the delegation also discussed the establishment of a strategic alliance between the Maldives and the EU, and programming of EU aid to the Maldives in future.

European Commission supports early elections: Strategic Environment Alliance revealed

2008-03-20T07:12:00.000-07:00

Director for Asia in the European Commission, James Moran, met with President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and various cabinet ministers yesterday in Male’ to review relations between the country and the European Union.

Speaking on the preparations for elections and the road map, Moran stated that he was impressed by the progress made in the last two years but recognized that there was great pressure on the government and opposition parties to finish on time.

“With so much achieved and a clear momentum under way, it would be a great blow to the country to fall at the last hurdle” said Moran.

Two immediate challenges discussed were the need to finalize the Constitution at the next Special Majlis sitting so as to have time to establish the independent Commissions, especially for elections, police and judiciary, which will be crucial in assuring free and fair elections over the summer.

Moran also took the opportunity to announce an expansion in the EU’s support for elections’ preparations. In addition, he outlined there will be a team sent over the actual period of the elections to assess the electoral process as well as plans to mobilize parliamentarians, diplomats and others to assist in observation of the election day.

EC agreed with President Gayoom’s new initiatives to deepen the strategic ties and cooperation between the EU and Maldives. Building on the current successful political cooperation between the EU and Maldives to combat global climate change, Moran announced that aid fund will be provided to help this fragile island state build further “Safe Island”. In addition, the EC announced support to help combat drug abuse in Maldives and Europe alike and which both are keen to cooperate on.

Party will remain as strongest as ever even after elections – Dr. Munnawar.

2008-03-18T20:07:00.001-07:00

Dr. Mohamed Munnawar President of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) as well as the presidential candidate tipped to win the party presidential primaries has said that MDP will remain the strongest political party even after the elections. He said that this can be seen clearly from the party’s recent history. He made the statement to Miadhu Daily when asked to comment on the views expressed by some analysts that party may split after the primary.

Dr. Munnawar said even after the primaries the party will remain as the most influential and strongest party, and that this can be seen from the party’s recent history. He pointed out that the party was not affected even after the elections held to elect the party president in June last year.
“I am confident that even after the elections the party would remain as the strongest and the most influential party, this is evident from our recent past when we held the election to elect the party president’ said Dr. Munnawar who is believed to win the MDP presidential primaries.

He further pointed out that competitive elections within the party would only strengthen democratic principles within the party and that the elections would only unite and strengthen the party.

“Internal elections are necessary to strengthen the party’s democratic values, these elections will only unite and strengthen the party” said Dr. Munnawar.

Dr. Munnawar further said that some may believe that these elections will cause divisions and differences of opinions however he said that these elections teach powerful democratic values.

“Some may believe that the party may be divided, but it won’t happen, these elections where all party members compete gives a powerful democratic message to the people, because it gives us the capacity to unite and work towards a common goal even after competing in several elections” said Dr. Munnawar .

Dr. Munnawar said he preparing to commence his campaign activities. Many see Dr. Munnawar as a strong leader with sound policies and a strong vision.

MP Shihab calls for boycott of elections

2008-03-18T20:04:00.000-07:00

MP for Male’ Mohamed Shihab has called on opposition parties to boycott the forthcoming presidential elections if the proposed amendments to the Civil Service Act by the government are endorsed by the Majlis. He made the call speaking at the Majlis session held yesterday.

Speaking at the Majlis yesterday Mohamed Shihab said the proposed amendment by the government to the Civil Service Act does not reflect the principles of the constitution.

“If the proposed amendments are endorsed then the forthcoming elections cannot be either free or fair, these amendments are politically motivated” said Male’ MP Shihab.

Responding to opposition claims regarding the failure of the government to consult the Civil Service Commission, Legal Reform Minister Mohamed Nasheed said that in order to discuss the amendment of the Civil Service Act, Dr. Mohamed latheef President of the Civil Service Commission was contacted twice and that he failed to respond. He pointed out that the Bill was proposed by then State Minister Ahmed Nazim and supported by the then Home Minister.

“I did ask Dr. Latheef for a meeting to hold discussions on the subject several times but every time it was turned down, Dr. Latheef said that there was no need to discuss the Bill with him as he was there only to administer it once passed and that his views and opinion was not required to amend the Bill. Political thinking last year was to support the Bill and get the Majlis endorsement and to incorporate the amendments at the earliest” said Minister Nasheed.

Opposing the amendments MP for Thaa Atoll as well as President of the MDP Parliamentary Group Hassan Afeef said that he will not support the amendments and pointed out that it was politically motivated designed to keep a specific person in power.

Supporting the amendments President’s member Fathin Hameed said every amendment proposed protects specific rights of the people including several basic rights.

Thasmeen to be running mate of President Gayoom

2008-03-18T20:02:00.000-07:00

Reliable sources confirm that Baa Atoll MP as well as one of the Vice Presidents of Dhivehi Rahyithunge Party (DRP) Ahmed Thasmeen Ali has been deiced by DRP to be the running mate of President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom in the forthcoming Presidential Elections.

According to sources 2 of the 3 Vice Presidents of DRP have keen interest to be the running mate of President Gayoom. Sources say that opinion is divided among party members as to who should be the running mate of President Gayoom. Some claim that current Atolls Minister Ahmed Thasmeen Ali would be best choice while other says that Finance Minister Qasim Ibrahim would be best.

Party members say that even though Minister Qasim is a Vice President many senior members do not accept him to be a member of the party. They say that this could be the main reason why President Gayoom chose Minister Thasmeen over Minister Qasim. According to information received to Miadhu Daily senior members and members of inner circle of President Gayoom are unanimous that Minister Thasmeen should be the running mate. Sources say that running mate will be decided on by the Party’s Congress and as such it not clear who is going to be running mate at his point in time. They say what is clear is that approval of the President’s inner circle would be required to be the running mate.

Speaking to Miadhu Daily a senior member of the party said that Minister Qasim and Minister Thasmeen have indicated their keenness for the position. He said that they are 2 very different personalities with contrasting views and policies. He said while Minster Qasim is person with tremendous popular support Minister Thasmeen is seen as person who does not have much ties with the people and politically immature.

Audio clip of Minister Qasim leaked to youtube.com

2008-03-18T20:00:00.000-07:00

An audio clip believed to contain Finance Minister Qasim’s voice has been posted on internationally well known website known as www.you tube.com. The audio clip indicates that Finance Minister Qasim is not working for the government in the capacity of Finance Minister on his own free will but is forced to do so.

The audio clip indicates that Minister Qasim is not working for the government on own free will but is forced do so. It also indicates Minister Qasim do not trust President Gayoom.

In the audio clip, a voice believed to be of Minister Qasim says” a person who was kept behind bars yesterday, or a person who was sentenced to life, cannot accept it even if he is made to sit on a bed of roses”. It particularly pointed out such a thing cannot be accepted to Qasim Ibrahim.

“How can person who was kept behind bars yesterday or sentenced to life accept even if his made to sit on bed of roses, I cannot for sure accept it, I am in this position not because I accept it” said the voice believed to be of Finance Minister Qasim.

A while back another 2 audio clips were also posted on you tube. Many believe that such audio clips started appearing on websites following the sacking of reporter Hiriga Husham from a local daily believed to be connected to Finance Minister. Sources claim that it is possible that Hiriga Husham may possess such audios and that further clips can be expected. However some claim that audio clip may be electronically manipulated.

Despite Miadhu Daily’s attempts to contact Minister Qasim to obtain his comment it proved futile.

Majlis Battle On Civil Service Amendments

2008-03-18T02:13:00.000-07:00

The much-criticised amendments to the Civil Service Act 2007 were on Monday debated in a belligerent session of the People’s Majlis (parliament), with opposition politicians arguing the proposals are a “politically motivated” attempt to retain presidential control over a large and influential section of Maldives’ public servants.

The government proposes groups including the police, elections commission staff, island chiefs and the anti-corruption board should remain under the ambit of the President’s Office pending new legislation to deal with them separately.

But opposition parliamentarians estimate that if the amendments pass a parliamentary vote, President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom could retain direct power over twelve to fifteen thousand of the Maldives’ 40,000 government employees in the run-up to the country’s first multi-party elections.

Exceptions

Information minister Mohamed Nasheed has proposed a series of amendments to the Civil Service Act which would reduce the number of employees falling under the independent Civil Service Commission (CSC) by around a third.

The CSC said it was not consulted about the amendments, and the relevant sectors have already been temporarily excluded following a presidential order earlier this month.

The Act, due to come into full force in May, makes the civil service – proportionally one of the world’s largest – independent under the CSC, which came into being late last year.

A central pledge of the government’s Roadmap to the Reform Agenda, the Act was proposed as a private member’s bill and passed in May 2007.

The bill passed a Majlis vote, after an eighteen-month parliamentary process, at a time when the Maldives found itself under intense international scrutiny after protests and mass jailings following the suspected custodial death of Hussein Solah.

Necessary

Legal reform commissioner Mohamed Anil argues the amendments are necessary because they cover “any institution excluded by another [proposed] law”. Under the constitution in progress, bodies such as the police, army and anti-corruption board must be overseen by independent commissions.

But opposition politicians are sceptical, arguing the backlog of bills awaiting Majlis consideration means the government cannot guarantee any timeframe for the laws creating new commissions, so the CSC should take over in the interim.

“The moment [these amendments are] passed, the control of all these positions reverts back to the president because there is no one else – there are no commissions,” says Ibrahim Ismail MP, of the fledgling Social Liberal Party (SLP). “The government has no intention of implementing any of these.”

Retirement

The proposals also include a two-year delay before compulsory retirement for 65 year olds, to allow retirees to “mentally or physically prepare”, according to head of the ruling Dhivehi Raiyyithunge Party (DRP) parliamentary group Aneesa Ahmed.

Under the proposals, “people who worked for the government for a prolonged period and are honorary members of the government” would also remain under the president’s office.

Both amendments raise the contentious issue of “beached” civil servants, who remain on the government payroll despite no longer attending work.

No reliable figures are available for the number of such civil servants, but the opposition contend the phenomenon occurs frequently, allowing the government to ensure support from respected figures in local communities.

Ahmed Nazim, an MP and member of the People’s Association political group, said that even of the 1,700 due to retire under the Civil Service Act, “the majority are retirees already”.

The CSC had previously announced it would use from May its power to compel civil servants over 65 to retire on a government pension.

Island Chiefs

With the Maldives’ first ever multi-party elections due later this year, the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has argued the President’s power to appoint atoll and island chiefs and their assistants – a total of 473 individuals – is a threat to electoral fairness.

The amendments would see the chiefs continuing to report to the President’s office until local elections, which the DRP propose should take place after presidential and parliamentary polls.

High-ranking civil servants including “staff at the level of ministers”, state ministers, special advisors, and ministers’ assistants, would remain under the President’s office permanently, a situation the CSC has said could cause “difficulties with lines of authority”.

The DRP are confident of passing the amendments, according to Aneesa. But even with their majority, which includes eight presidential appointees, chances of the bill passing are “50/50” according to Ibra, and head of the MDP parliamentary group Hassan Afeef says he believes the bill may yet be blocked.

International Election “Watchdog” Set Up By Former Foreign Minister

2008-03-18T02:12:00.001-07:00

An international network of politicians and other professionals has been set up by former foreign minister Dr Ahmed Shaheed to help ensure the country’s first multi-party presidential elections are free and fair.

At least ten designated individuals, including British and European parliamentarians, will liaise with representatives in the Maldivian capital, Malé, to gain information on reform progress as elections approach.

Meanwhile, a pledged independent elections commission has not yet been created and the European Union is due to send just two to five “technical experts” to observe the polls.

Watchdog

Shaheed says the network, to be known as Maldives Election Watch, will oversee “anything that will affect the election process”.

Presidential elections are due to take place this year, although the date is dependent on the last chapter of the constitution in progress.

The new group will see key politicians and other professionals such as journalists gather information on progress in the run-up to elections, and then lobby national and regional governments to take up the issue.

Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Robert Evans is to act as chairperson of the group, which will also include British House of Lords Member George Foukes and Member of Parliament Andrew MacKinley, according to Shaheed.

Shaheed argues the Maldivian government has failed to act on a number of pledges aimed to make elections free and fair, including full media independence, an end to government appointment of atoll and island chiefs, and an independent elections commission.

Reforms

The move by Shaheed, who is also part of the New Maldives political group along with presidential contender Hassan Saeed, comes at a time when international pressure is mounting on the government to pass reforms to ensure a free and fair election.

In particular, an independent elections commission was pledged to replace the existing body, which is headed by presidential appointee Ahmed KD Manik.

Government officials including legal reform commissioner Mohamed Anil now argue such independent commissions cannot be put in place until the constitution in progress is complete, giving a them a legal mandate.

But for Shaheed, “there is no argument for not creating these [independent bodies] now”.

He added that proposed amendments to the Civil Service Act will also “undermine the neutrality of the civil service”, and in turn unfairly influence the elections.

The amendments, currently being debated in parliament, include provisions for atoll and island chiefs to remain under the president’s jurisdiction.

Shaheed argues that despite promises of reform, “the people that really matter [in terms of influencing the elections] are still in place”.

International Monitoring

The European Union will send an “expert team” to observe the elections, but will not be carrying out full observation or monitoring.

Rosham Lyman, Head of Politics and Trade at the EU delegation to Colombo, told Minivan News two to five “fully-fledged technical experts” would be sent.

Previous elections have been surrounded by allegations of corruption, and on a visit in February, Conservative MP Francis Maude said: “I don’t think anyone would seriously pretend that there have been free and fair elections in the past.”

The August 2007 referendum, which resulted in the adoption of a presidential rather than a parliamentary system of government, was judged by the Human Rights Commission to be “generally fair”. But the elections commission has since admitted serious flaws in voter lists and authentication.

The right to free and fair elections is enshrined in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which the Maldives acceded in September 2006.