Islands of Paradise: The New Video by FOM a Blast from the Past

Haulath Mohamed

Dhivehi Observer has posted a new video made by Friends of Maldives. The content of the video is very interesting. It provided a very good analysis of the events in the political history that lead the country to democratic transition in the year 2004. However the fact of the matter is, this makes the video not only out of date but irrelevant to the political debate we should be engaged in now, at the present. Since then not only three years has passed; but the political scenario has changed too. So it can be concluded that this video with its’ hundred percent focus on the past; presented in Dhivehi Observer made by Friends of Maldives is an attempt to undermine the current democratic achievements and developments that has taken place in Maldives. Furthermore this is an attempt to create confusion and chaos among Maldivians and in the international front and is a feeble attempt to mislead and mis-inform the transition and developments of the last three years. These kinds of publicity stunts simply will not work to the benefit of any one and this also indicates how DO and FOM underestimate the Maldivian level of intelligence; their mentality and level of comprehension.

To put the record straight instead of dwelling on the past, and making new videos on the past; friends of Maldives together with MDP need to divert their attention to the present so that they can contribute positively by examining the present needs of the people. First and foremost they can start by simply behaving like sensible people with political novice. The starting point for example can be recognising the recent developments in the Maldives Political system including the fact that they as a political party had come to existence and are able to perform as a legitimate political party in the Maldives

Formation of political parties is not the only accomplishment in the political front. The Maldives since 2004 has received considerable achievements in the four main areas that define democracy and human rights. Focusing on the video the components of democracy including free and fair election and civil and political liberties have been examined, observed and investigated and then interpreted positively at the end of the video. The achievements since 2004 and advances are been recognised by both internal and external agencies. So with this video with its focus on events prior to 2004 and with its minimal focus on the present, is a puzzle. Then the question that comes to mind is what the purpose of this video is. The video can only be interpreted as an escape clause, a mechanism to justify the continued undemocratic circumstances and danger that Maldives Democratic Party and Friends of Maldives is creating to the average Maldivian civil liberties since Multi Party system has been established in Maldives and MDP has been legalised. Such videos and short performances we see in U Tube are escape clauses and mechanisms that enable Hardingham, DO Sappey and MDP to harass the peaceful existence of the Maldivian and also deter the attempts and efforts of the government towards establishing democratic reforms. Furthermore these videos serve and enable them to conduct practises of illegal propaganda against the Maldivian such as their long running propaganda of Tourism Boycott

It is time that MDP and FOM stop their attempt towards creating confusion among Maldivian in regard to definition of democracy. So far they are giving lip service to democracy and defining democracy only to serve their own purpose and achieve their selfish ends. Peaceful Political Participation and healthy competition are the real defining characteristics of democracy. MDP has a poor record of fostering the promotion of peaceful political participation instead their track record is about legitimising practise of violence and encourage instances of breaking the rule of law. In contrast to practising what they preach; activities they conduct are concentrated on grassroots violence and fostering of criminal activities. The party and their supporters need to learn and understand the basics of party politics. A political party is a microcosm of the society. And parties who cannot practise democracy as a political party cannot respect democratic principles and values in society at large2

It is time for MDP and FOM to re-evaluate their ongoing discussions and U-Tube propaganda. They need to focus their discussions and interest in promoting democracy instead of using the past which we all know to promote themselves. The subject of discussion in their U-Tube videos should anticipate their policies and future directions what they will do for the Maldivian if they are given power. Dwelling in the past will not get anybody anywhere and is a waste of valuable time. MDP, FOM and DO Sappey should let people know what their intentions are towards strengthening civil society and democratic directions they will take when they come to power. As a pro democracy political group and a grass root democratic movement calling themselves Maldives Democratic Party MDP has fooled Maldivians so far with their strong focus on increasing opportunities for people to engage in violence, crime and simple negativity. Contrary to this they should realize, in the democratic philosophy well-functioning political parties offer citizens the opportunity to participate in political decision making and contribute to the political process peacefully healthily and positively3.

The accountability and competence of MDP is almost gone with this obsession over the past. Their activities since formation are about discrediting the government instead of constituting a framework of how the party will function under the heading of democracy and human rights. The deepening public mistrust will not end unless MDP replace its obsessive compulsive disorder of discrediting the government with activities and policies dedicated to fostering human rights, democracy and good governance in Maldives.