Report: Soodh
by, Smith Hassim
It is interesting that MDP, which has so far refused to join the all-party talks or any engagement with the ruling DRP in the current political situation, is changing their stance. MDP Chairman Mohamed Nasheed, Anni, has slammed the Government for lacking sincerity to reform. The hardliners in the party do not believe the country can embrace liberal democracy as long as President Gayoom is in power. But MDP and other opposition parties are now grudgingly acknowledging that many reforms are happening. Even powerful countries like USA, UK, India and China have recognized these reforms.
Slowly but surely MDP Chairman and leadership are realizing that President Gayoom's popularity and stature have increased after the landslide victory for the Presidential system in the August 18 referendum. They are now sure that the Special Majlis will complete the Constitution and 2008 Presidential elections will be held on multi-party basis. They also realize that President Gayoom, who has confirmed he will be DRP's candidate in the election, will be elected easily for a seventh term of office.
MDP and other opposition parties have been attempting to forestall the President, by taking the position that any person who has served more than two terms as president cannot stand for re-election. The Government was quick to dismiss this challenge saying the law will apply only to the future. The opposition is lobbying hard in the Special Majlis to block the President from contesting the election. But the proposal is certain to be rejected with the Government's majority. MDP may now be accepting this hard truth. MDP may also be aware of massive losses if they continue attacking and obstructing the government in the final phase of the constitution. They may be a total loser unless they engage with the Government more positively so that they get some credit for reform and national reconciliation. New challenges of terrorism and religious extremism need to be addressed transcending political differences and ideologies.
An all party government with a national agenda looks like a practical solution from a national perspective. It is time the deepening divide of the country characterized by hatred and vengeance stopped and national reconciliation started. Maldives has lost many opportunities for embracing a national approach in its politics. Analysts believe the country would have been spared of many difficult problems if a national government was formed after the parliamentary elections in 2004 bringing into the mainstream reformists like Anni, Ibra, Gasim, Mohamed Shihab and Sappe. They believe more effective reform, perhaps even without a political party system, might have been possible. That would have earned the president a fitting legacy for his three decades of rule
That opportunity however was lost. Growing dissent followed very turbulent and volatile political changes. These dramatic changes unfortunately lead to a destructive divide and confrontation between the government and opposition groups. This resulted in the
country plunging into the present low moral status. Both the Government and political parties must take responsibility for this. It is sad that our children are learning from very bad examples of vulgar ostentations and verbal abuse. Islamic faith, unity and respect have been the hallmark of our traditions and value systems. But today our social fabric is torn to pieces. Only a selfless united effort can save the country from this peril.With the current conciliatory mood of Anni and key associates, MDP will get some credit for their reform campaign. MDP has always been more of a reform movement than a political party. They have now accomplished much of their mission. The momentum of democracy in the Maldives has now reached a point of no return. Reform process and its achievements are the result of the struggle of many. It is time for engagement rather than defiance.
MDP and other opposition groups must accept President Gayoom's service to the nation. President must be given due credit for that and his mistakes and failures must be forgiven and forgotten. Maldivians must not repeat the shameful events of the past. Whether the President stays in office for another term or not, there should be a national reconciliation. The President must leave office with honor and dignity. We must inherit a legacy of unity and harmony for the country.
The hard truth is that no leader is perfect and free of corruption. The longer one stays in power the more the resulting abuses and corruption. The democratic reforms we are now embracing will hopefully minimize such abuses and corruption. It is important that our new political system ensures accountability and good governance through vigilant checks and balances so that these reforms succeed.
Democracy and freedom are the cries of the people. But ideals of democracy and freedom must be strengthened without compromising unity harmony and the value system of the country. This is absolutely necessary whether DRP or MDP or Adhaalath becomes the ruling party. Maldivians have to become more mature in playing politics however ambitious they are. The nation is not owned by one person or few people; it belongs to all its people, present and future.
This is the reason why MDP's new position can be taken as a welcome move. It is time DRP, MDP and other parties start engaging in constructive dialogue and shun vested personal motives. It is a time to consider seriously a process national reconciliation. It is time to forget personal rivalry and vengeance and stop mudslinging and character assassination. President Gayoom must also be more responsive to the aspirations of the people.
It is expected that Anni would have discussed most of these matters including limited terms of the presidency, transitional government, independent judiciary, election commissioner, civil service commission. He would have committed MDP's readiness to work together for reform and liberal democracy. Media reports however have not brought the details of these developments. It is yet to be revealed how much MDP's national council has been involved in the engagement.
Whatever it is, one thing is certain. Maldives is on the way to reform and democracy. Politicians must decide and make sacrifices to bring changes in a manner that would save the country from disintegration and chaos. Maldives is too beautiful a country to be left a victim of a procrastinated political crisis.
VELIDHOO NEWS SERVICE
No comments:
Post a Comment