MDP Strongly Condemns Unlawful Arrests of its Members and Calls for their Immediate Release

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) condemns the arrests of over 25 peaceful protesters on 8 and 9 July, and calls for their immediate release. Those arrested include a number of the MDP’s elected National Council members, and ordinary members. Protesters rallied at various points in Male’ yesterday to call for elections and to mark five months since the brutal crackdown on unarmed civilians by the Police and Military officers who mutinied and overthrew the Maldives’ first democratically elected Government. 

MDP expresses concern over Dr. Waheed’s regime’s flagrant disregard for the constitutionally given rights to freedom of assembly and expression, illustrated by over 650 arrests over his five months in power. The MDP also condemn the constant intimidation and discrimination of opposition media by Police operating at the protest areas.

The MDP’s Spokesperson for International Affairs, Hamid Abdul Gafoor stated, ‘five months on from the coup d’etat that overthrew the Maldives’ first democratic government, Dr. Waheed continues to violate the fundamental rights of his citizens through illegitimate means. Maldivian citizens have and will continue to exercise their constitutional rights to express their disapproval of the regime and call for immediate elections to restore democracy in the Maldives.

The peaceful protest continues in Male’.

Can Golhaabo be forced to withdraw from presidential race?

As everyone knows, under the amended constitution ratified last month, no one can seek office for more than two 5-year terms but the Maldives Dictator is hell bent on remaining in office at any cost. He is calling it a new constitution.

However, he may be in for a surprise as his own brother Abdulla Yameen, head of Peoples Association (PA), is reportedly colluding with several key politicians and trying to take control of the Supreme Court. If that happens, he could very well try to come up with a judgment banning Golhaabo from standing for office this time. According to sources close to Yameen, with Golhaabo out of the picture, the DRP will have to make an alliance with his party and he could declare himself the Presidential Candidate of DRP-PA coalition. The source also said Thasmeen Ali, the current running mate of Golhaabo is a pawn of Yameen, placed there to facilitate his rise to power.

Of course these are just conspiracy theories but pundits say that Yameen may very well be the preferred choice of Golhaabo if he could not stand for office. Also, despite earlier indications from Yameen, he has not yet thrown his hat in to the race. Yameen’s associates say that he has not given up on the idea and has a cunning plan to get what he wants.

Yameen, left the cabinet about two years ago and formed his own party recently, after running it as just Peoples Association. Some of his colleagues until late have since moved on and joined the party of his rival Qasim Ibrahim, the Republican Party. A few like ‘Underwear’ Nazim is still by Yameen’s side.

The source also said that Yameen has also agreed to join his brother’s cabinet and will take on Finance and Trade under one ministry. Furthermore, his associate ‘Underwear Nazim’ will also join him in the cabinet.

Looks like the ‘Kaaminee Clan’ isn’t yet ready to give up their stronghold on power without a fight.

Of course, people like Golhaabo and Yameen should never be under estimated. Nevertheless, one thing is certain this time, that the people of Maldives are going to get a free vote and Golhaabo could be ousted provided the opposition groups unite.

We will know the outcome in just a few weeks. Golhaabo’s fate could be sealed in the first week of October if elections take place on the 4th as being proposed by the Election Commission.

Qasim launches presidential campaign in Male’

Jumhooree Party launched its official Presidential Campaign last night in a special gathering held at the Artificial Beach in Male’. The event was attended by thousands of party members and supporters. The presidential candidate endorsed by the party, Mr. Qasim Ibrahim gave an arousing speech promising to deliver public services and restore confidence in government faster than his rivals. He highlighted some of his views and how to deal with social and economic issues facing the nation.

Qasim said that people are right to assume that he had a selfish motive to become the president of the country. “I want to deliver the things that people demand. I want the job to solve the difficulties people face today”, he said. Qasim said this was his motive for wanting to become the President of the Maldives.

In terms of policy, Qasim highlighted a number of issues. Some of which are:

- Introducing a progressive taxation system, including income tax and cooperate tax

- Begin oil exploration in the North and setup oil rigs within 3 years if oil was found

- Building hospitals in the country to diminish the need for people to travel to neighbouring countries for healthcare

- Increase opportunities for the youth and women to engage in social and political activities

- Deliver the benefits of the Maldives fishery to the people

- Increase the salary of teachers and improve and expand educational opportunities and build a recognised national university

- Police and the army will be professionally trained and given the right facilities and equipment to do their important jobs

- Judges will be professionally trained to ensure that the courts operate justly in accordance with the law

According to Jumhooree (Republican) party officials, they will now take the campaign and their message to the people living in all corners of the country.

Click to see more photos of the event on Picasa

Application for Hulhumale’ Apartments v the Constitution

According to Haveeru News the Hulhumale’ Development Corporation (HDC) has said that the Individuals interested in the newly completed apartments in Hulhumale’ can submit their application for 488 of the 500 flats from 20th August 2008 onwards.

HDC said that that the new apartment building can provide accommodation for 4,000 people and that the applicants will be divided into three categories based on social aspects. Those who fall into A Category will need to be a resident of Male’ for 12 years and be of 25 years and older. B Category will consist of applicants who are 21 years and above of age who have been a resident of Male’ for seven years. Category C includes people who are 21 years and above of age and who are registered residents of Male’. All three categories have several other conditions applied to them as well.

Let us consider the following Articles from the Constitution to observe whether the qualifications of the applications to Hulhumale’ flats are valid or invalid.

Freedom of Transportation and Settling down: Article 41(b)
As per Article 41(b) all the citizens are entitled to the right to settle in any inhabited island in the Maldives and also are entitled to the right to migration from one island to another.

This Article is very clear and simply it means that all the citizens are entitled to the inalienable right of settling in any inhabited island. Simultaneously, the Article also guarantees the right of the movement of people from one island to another. However, the question arises when it comes to Hulhumale’? Do we have the right to settle in Male’? Well, one might say that we all have the right to settle down in Hulhumale’? But, is practically recognized? Are there any barriers to this right, brought about in an unconstitutional manner?

It is very clear that this right is granted to us by the constitution. In fact, we all know that any such rights so granted by the constitution cannot be restricted or narrowed down except by an Act of Parliament passed in line with the constitution.

Fundamental Rights Guaranteed: Article 16(a)
Our recently ratified green Constitution very clearly states in Article 16 (a) that the constitution guarantees all the rights and freedoms prescribed under Part II (Fundamental Rights) of it in accordance with the Islamic Shari’ah principles. Furthermore, it states that any limitations on the rights or freedoms guaranteed under this constitution can be imposed only with an Act of Parliament passed in accordance with this constitution.
Is there any Act of Parliament which states that application for Hulhumale’ flats will only be successful if the applicant is from Male’ or has been living in Male’ for such and such number of years. Even if there is any Act which stipulates so wouldn’t it be contrary to our constitution? In other words unconstitutional. As we can see from the constitution no discrimination is allowed. Furthermore, all are equal in the eyes of the law.

No Discrimination: Article 17(a)
It can be understood from Article 17(a) that all persons are entitled to all the rights and freedoms guaranteed under Part II of the constitution without any discrimination. No one should be discriminated on the basis of race, or country of birth, or color, or sex, or age or physical or mental disability, or political or other views, or financial capability, or family, or island etc.

We have seen the the case of Hulhumale’ flats and its prescribed conditions or qualifications for application which states that the applicant must be from Male’ or has been living in Male’ for such number of years. Wouldn’t this amount to discrimination?
Obviously, as we can see from the categorisation there is discrimination. The opportunity or rather the right is narrowed down or restricted to people living in Male’. How many of us cannot get housing even in our own islands due to the scarcity of land. The difficulty of housing is not only faced by Male’ people or people who are residing in Male’ but also others in atolls too have the same problem. So where is our right? What is our solution? Where can we go to get our right?

Equality: Article 20
As it can be understood from Article 20 all are equal before and under the law and are entitled to the equal protection of the law and benefits derived from the law.


Evidently, there are always greater opportunities for Male’ people or people living in Male’. But the truth is that Hulhumale’ doesn’t belong to Male’ people alone. Hulhumale’ is neither built with the financial assistance of so called ‘Male’ people’ nor from the pockets of those who are living in Male’. Therefore, we all must have equal opportunity when it comes to flats and other benefits. It seems that people from atolls are only counted as citizens when the government wants to take something from us but not when it comes to sharing of any benefits. What is this? Can we call this equality?


Administrative Decisions to be made with Justice: Article 43 (b) and (c)
According to Article 43 (b) if any one feels that any administrative decision taken has infringed his or her right, he or she has the right to get the reason for taking such a decision in writing. Furthermore, Article 43(c) states that if the right of any individuals or a party’s rights are hindered due to any y administrative decision then they are entitled to file that matter in a court of law. Moreover, it extends this right to those who are likely to be directly affected by such a decision.

One might say that it is administrative decision. It is not a decision of a court of law or any legislation passed by the government. Our constitution provides a remedy or rather a right to us in such matters too as we can see in Article 43(c). So the big question is do we have to file a case in a court of law to challenge this decision? What if we do take the matter to a court? Are we still going to sleep on our rights even under the newly ratified constitution? Let us think together and act together.