Dictator Gayyoom has always been a liability for the process of democratic reform in the Maldives

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Dictator Gayyoom has always been a liability for the process of democratic reform in the Maldives

The political spectrum of the Maldives has been changing rapidly as a result of the new found freedom and directly as a consequence of the installation of the first democratic government in the country.

Dictator Gayyoom, who ruled the country with an iron fist for 30 years, however, is still unrelenting and wants more than anything to occupy the seat of power, which for him, is the ultimate luxury of life. Unlike, President Nasheed, the dictator is seeking to regain power because he misses the grand lifestyle that come with being the top executive, rather than the desire to serve the public and improve the quality of the lives of the people.

As we enter into the last quarter of the first year of democracy in this country, we are witnessing many changes in the political spectrum. Many believed that the ruling alliance led by the Maldivian Democratic Party let go of a great opportunity to deliver their pledges by failing to secure a good majority in the first democratic parliament. However, just 3 months after the elections, we are witnessing a great deal of power shifts and it is increasing becoming clear that the opposition MPs, especially the younger ones, are ready to ditch the old dictator in favour of the young and more vibrant President.

Reformists and political leaders have been meeting with several parliament members from the opposition in a bid to convince them of the need to rally behind the government and pass legislation that will consolidate democracy and provide a solid platform to deliver public services to the stakeholders. These MPs are forthcoming and showing their true colours now by engaging is discussions which in all probability yield positive results and lead to greater unity in the parliament.

Dictator Gayyoom has long passed his sell-by date and should ideally retire from politics altogether. As long as he remains at the helm of Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP), the opposition will remain fragmented and without a direction. Most of the DRP members are now realising the fact that their objective is not to serve one specific person but to play a key role in shaping up the politics of this country and build the nation.

It is time for the old man to quit and try to spend the rest of his life as a respected statesman, rather than engage in politics. He should relieve his party of the burden and the baggage of 30-years of dictatorship and let the new generation take over.

An underlying tragedy for Dictator Gayyoom, throughout his political career, has been his convoluted definition of reform. His description of reform, on various aspects, have been diametrically opposed to the pace and dimenstion of democracy envisaged by President Nasheed and his supporters.

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Adam Rasheed Ahmed