The public have an insatiable curiosity to know everything. Except what is worth knowing. Journalism, conscious of this, and having tradesman-like habits, supplies their demands.
- "Oscar Wilde"
The upcoming parliamentary election will be country’s first ever multi-party parliamentary election and yet one of the most competitive political rapture in the history of this lovely nation. The campaign has already begun and some candidates are campaigning in the respective constituents his/her is going to contest for. It is believed that this parliamentary election will be one of the most expensive yet competitive campaigns in the political history, although the economy is slumping.
In the modern day of politics, the most influential components of a campaign is how much he/she is willing to spend and the popularity among the people. Consequently, money is one of the most coherent factors of a campaign. In a civilized community, people choose based on policies and quality of the candidates and thereby the supporters will give donor and subsequently it is people’s money. But in our community, it is more like buying the votes with money rather than winning with genuine support from the people. In such cases it can be considered that he bought it and in the end he/she won’t be accountable to the people.
What we decide today may impair our political recognition in the future. It has to be someone who is really committed to bring political and economic reform within the parliament; in fact he/she must be capable of doing it. It is not always necessary that the wealthiest choice is appropriate for the post.
Since the reform agenda began back in 2004, it has always been very interesting to watch parliament sessions due to much of political than the moments of attacks on both side. As a consequence of this effect, it took more than two and half years to complete the necessary amendments to the constitution. At the end, it all became as a new constitution and ratified on 7th August 2008 by the former President Mr. Gayyoom.
Before the amended constitution came into effect, the parliament consists of all cabinet ministers, special eight appointees by the president and members elected from the each constituent. The infamous 29 members were the most debateable issue in the parliament as it was hard to find a way to get ahead of anything that was against the interest of the government. In fact, almost all the chapters in the amended constitution are exactly as the way intended by the government then.
It was one real instance where if the parliament is under direct control of the government. One may argue that, this is a presidential system and thereby the government has nothing to do with the parliament as in presidential system, the parliament, Judicial and Executive branch are independent. Although this is a Presidential System, the system itself runs much of like a semi parliamentary system. The executive branch mostly requires the blessing from the parliament for almost all the major things. For this motive, the government will always try its best to control the parliament.
For a healthy democracy, a strong opposition is essential to make the government accountable for the people. This could be effectively done only within the parliament as it is one of the independent branches to watch over the government. In a multi-party democracy, the government is likely to face the criticism from the parliament members for various issues, like political, economical and social welfare. Hence, those criticisms play a vital role in implementing the appropriate policies on each sector.
Let’s not all do the same mistake again by giving the majority of the parliament to the ruling party.
Last week, I was told that my name has been nominated for the vacant election member from the Islamic Democratic Party (IDP). As an executive committee member, I have been working for the party since the party was formed in 2004, December. Therefore, I am not very surprised to see my name as potential nominee from the party.
The Election Commission is an independent body consist of five members approved from the parliament among the nominees from all the registered political parties. At present, the election commission members are Mr. Mohamed Ibrahim / President, Mr. Ahmed Shahid / Vice president, Mr. Mohamed Mahir, Mr. Fuad Thaufeeq, and Mr. Ali Faiz, who has resigned from the commission lately.
Whether I am elected or not will be known within next few days, when the parliament resume again this week 19th January 2009, Monday. I hope this could be a good experience to enhance my political career in the future.
The biggest political euphoria around the country for next several days to come would be the upcoming parliamentary election to be held in February 2009. Unlike the parliamentary elections in the past, it was decided that number of members allocated for each administrative sectors are based on the size of the population limiting a minimum of two from each sector. Therefore, all the constituents in each administrative sector will be a stiff competition as this is the first and ever multiparty election. According to the tentative constituent’s allocation table published by the election commission, there will be more than 72 seats in the upcoming parliament.
There are many reasons why this election is going to be stiff competition. Even if we are a presidential system where powers are separated and independent, the executive branch of the government has to rely on parliament when deciding all major things. Therefore, the executive branch can’t do anything against the will of the parliament. For this reason alone, both ruling party and opposition has to win the maximum number of seat from the Parliament. Recently, the President of Republic of Maldives, H.E Mr. Mohamed Nasheed has promised that his Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) will win minimum of 50 seats in the upcoming parliamentary election.
Given the political situation in the Maldives, It is unlikely to gain the majority of the parliament as it will be really stiff competition. It is very wrong to assume that his/her parties will win this much number of seats and give a public pledge without considering the political situation. HE President Nasheed must know that he became as a president with the help of a united alliance consists of all major political parties except Islamic Democratic Party (IDP). As a consequence of this pledge, the special advisor to the president, Dr. Hassan Saeed has made a very realistic comment about the issue; by giving the majority of the parliament to the ruling party won’t help us to make the government responsible. Further, this government is centered to activists rather than giving high ranking posts to highly qualified and capable professionals.
Parties that are in MDP lead coalition and the opposition are trying to increase their share in the parliament to be seated 1st March 2009. Of course the strength of a party can be measured only with a free and fair election and if not achieve certain number of chairs from the parliament, it would be a huge political blow for such parties. For this reason alone, all the parties are determined to win the maximum number of seats.
The money part:
No election ever in the Maldivian political history has gone without involving big money deals. It is true that with poverty, democracy can’t work. Hence, this election will be no exception. It was reported that some individual has already spent almost over a millions to some communities as aid, soft loans to medium & small businessmen and for medical purposes as well. It is similar like modern day of slavery buying voting rights in the name of humanity. This is absolutely ridiculous and unacceptable. One must not forget that, accepting a bribe will benefit temporarily and the consequences will be immense in the future.
Therefore, I urge all my beloved people to use your voting rights to decide your future but not to decide who gave you the biggest the money deals.
While America seems to be taking the brunt force of a weakening economy, a drastic credit crunch, and a faulting house market, the nation is certainly not alone in feeling the effects. Economies worldwide are reporting losses caused by the drop in the United States dollar. While consumers and lenders are well aware of their own financial difficulties as credit rates rise and with foreclosures becoming an all too common event, the fact is that the United States is having a significant impact upon other economies the world over.
The International Monetary Fund has recently released number estimating the world wide effect of the credit crunch. The numbers show a $945 billion dollar loss on a global scale over the next two years. While this number is just an estimated amount over a projected period of time, it is still surprising and even alarming to most in the financial sectors. While global economies and several institutions based in the United Sates are proving too resilient, the International Monetary Fund predicts that the worst is not over just yet and that consumers and investors should prepare for a continual weakening of the economy.
Along with the initial number, the International Monetary Fund estimated that the housing market alone can see losses as high as $565 billion; this is taking in the increasing foreclosures and the estimated increase in sub prime adjustable interest in the coming year.
The International Monetary Fund expects to see additional losses in other areas of the financial scope which do not necessarily have something to do with the housing market. Loans that are tied in with credit cards can be expected to see additional losses along with commercial real estate.
The cause for the global impact of the weakening U.S economy seems to be due, in part to weaknesses that were pre-existing.
“It is now clear that the current turmoil is more than simply a liquidity event, reflecting deep seated balance sheet fragilities and weak capital bases..” stated the International Monetary Fund
This is another vital topic which I have been approached by many people to see my views and say about it. Most interestingly, some has urged me to accept the job. As I am always a strong believer and a supporter of political and economic reform, I had to refuse the offer due to many obstacles, I feel cannot be overcome within the system in place at the moment. Here are few reasons why I am so hesitant to accept the offer.
The job involves a greater part of island politics and as the community is particularly divided into various factions due to corruption, mismanagement, nepotism and some portion of cronyism. One must not forget that, past rulers have made terrible mistakes in order to strengthen their influence over the people. The consequences of those mistakes are bound to today’s generation who are willing to accept the post.
I am strong believer of decentralization and its benefits at fullest. In fact, I believe one and only way where we could achieve our goals in the future. At the moment the post is similar like “the old katheeb” who is also responsible for the person who has given him the post and a name will not help us to make any difference.
Currently, the decentralization process is going on without any legal platform as it cannot be done without a necessary law packages and regulations which I believe something against the constitution. This is totally ridiculous.
I will always prefer a personnel nominee than a public nominee as I believe I can only do the job according to my will. In this case, I have to be responsible for the people not for someone else.
Last but not least, one of the vital reasons is, I am politically belongs to a party that has no share which unity government in place. If I ever accept any such political post from this government is something not good for the sake of my political endeavours.
I still believe that I need to learn more about the politics and gain experience over the period of next 10 or 15 years to come. Consequently, I need time to make ready my mind to face pressure and do the job wisely with the experience.
I have been consulted many people from our constituent about who would be the better choice for the parliament this time around. I feel this is extremely fine question to ask ourselves and even exchange in our society. Hence, here are some of the factors that I feel you may consider before deciding your choice.
It is evident that the politics does involve money and it has big tendency towards money. In the light of current of situation in the Maldives, I would say it is hard to find a parliament seat without a big sum of money. Public support and educational qualification alone will never be succeeded it but the truth is this is what it counts. So here are some of the factors you may consider before deciding your choice. Please note that your decision really counts reforming the nation both politically and economically.
· Political involvement and political attitude since the reform process began. · Public services and social involvement and share in the society. · Educational Qualifications & Personnel Background and track record in the recent years. · Capabilities, faithfulness, trustworthiness are integral part. · Policy papers and his/her manifesto and his vision on our society.
The above mentioned are few things you may think about when deciding your choice of candidate who are going to represent you and the others in the parliament. We must also make sure that the person is not working for the personnel gain and the income he could generate being a parliament member. In the same way, we should not consider a person who has bad track records in the past. That is the only way how we could analyse one’s own attitude.
It is a big shame for you and for us to sell your vote in the name of reform and democracy. Democracy means respecting equal values and rights among all. For that reason, please make sure that, you vote the person who has highest quality but not the person who has big money deals.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
The following is my version of response in connection with a comment made by a friend and a relative in connection with a previously posted comment by me on, “Why Amjad is suitable for Thaa Atoll Candidate”. I thought I must repost it here for you.
Sound extremely convincing counter attack on my comments. Yes the lad is well educated and well spoken in both English and Dhivehi but not a good orator I would say. And you must know that, this election is technically very different from what we had in the past. This time it’s all about constituents rather than administrative sectors. So Amjad may be contesting for our constituent, (Thimarafushi, Guraidhoo and Gaadhifushi ) which I believe most competitive in our administrative sector.
Mr. Gentleman there is no guy who is illiterate among potential candidates who have wished to contest for our constituent. If any of them are illiterate, it means he/she is not up to the certain criteria set by our constitution. So you can't simply say, "We don't want illiterate people for parliament". If someone who has basic knowledge is fit enough for the parliament according to our constitution. In fact it is a constitutional right for each and every single person in the Maldives.
Mr. Gentleman, the world has today changed a lot. Dependency has been constantly decreasing due to social, economic and cultural boom. Better not to attack others so sarcastically. I know you very well. You are an educated guy who is in good position in our society and in fact you are influential over a portion of people due to some reasons. But it won't guarantee you anything.
Last but not least, a good qualification alone won't make you a good politician. I am telling you this very honestly. Politics involves real mind games and certain things that are out of our mindset. Being a parliament member, you cannot be away from those things. I am great admirer for people who has qualifications in certain areas like education, should work in the area where he/she is mastered. We as a country still need to improve a lot more things in our educational system.
Mr. Gentleman, I know this involves a greater portion of island politics and hence it’s quiet natural that human beings are self motivated and hunger for more and more power whatever end in life. But equally we must also know that, social harmony plays a pivotal role in developing a society.
A society like us, both politically and administratively corrupted needs a real leader who is willing to forget and forgive the past setbacks. Yes, there was total cronyism and nepotism. But it was past. We cannot rekindle our past anymore and we must try to work for our future.
I hope the upcoming election will not divide us anymore even though we are politically divided into different factions. Let us all be wise enough to make this real chance to make ours despite our obligations.
Wisdom is a gift of heaven
Thursday, January 8, 2009
I personnely urge the governement of Maldives to declare its plea against the agression of Israel over the people of Ghaza and Palastine. As we all are muslims, it is very hard to see and hear the casualities going on in the Ghaza Strip. It was reported that, more than 650 were dead, 3000 were injured and infact most are civilians.
It is evident that Israel has a record of disobeying UN resolutions. United Sates of America and Britain are two significant allies who are continuoesly helping them to violate the UN's resolutions on various aspects. I am very sad to see that the arab world has failed to unite against the western world in respect to free and independent Palastine and some other critical issues that are considered as a challenge to Muslim world.
Muslim population has 21% share in world population and yet muslim contries are unable to do anything other than saying "it is a act of aggression". Till date no muslim nation has ever done anything to pressure or stop israel and its agression over Palastine. In return, certain groups from Palastine and Lebanon are offensive against israeli aggression. Hamas has been most phenominal and its charter says, "eradicate israel from the globe".
