The political unrest in the Maldives this week is likely to be imprinted on our memories for years to come. A democratically elected President forced to resign, a mutiny, a new government, violence, bloodshed and burning buildings – a lot to take in within two days, with only the downpour of 9th February providing some time to reflect on the events witnessed.
We can argue all day long, but President Mohamed Nasheed was removed by a coup d’état. That is a fact, plain and simple. What is not certain is the extent to which Nasheed’s removal was orchestrated in advance, or who was involved. Perhaps more importantly, the question of whether the overthrow of Nasheed is representative of the views of the general population or not, remains to be answered. Other countries such as Pakistan and Turkey have had bloodless coups a number of times, where democratically elected leaders were overthrown in order to maintain public order and to avoid a potential civil war. More recently, the overthrow of Gaddafi, Mubarak and Ben Ali in the Arab Spring have taken place through popular revolts in the Middle East. Coups can be justified and a necessity in some circumstances. I got a sense that there was an atmosphere of widespread relief when Nasheed resigned but maybe I am wrong, but it must be remembered that the demonstrations leading up to 7th February had been building for weeks, so this was not just a spur of the moment movement.
There is no right or wrong answer here; what has happened has happened and now is the time for reconciliation and national solidarity.
Instead, we see our politicians throwing clauses from our Constitution at each other, trying to legitimize and justify their actions. The Constitution was flouted by President Nasheed and MDP when they kept a senior judge arrested, despite nation-wide criticism, but is now held up as a sacred document by MDP, Nasheed and everyone else to argue that the overthrow was unconstitutional! The truth of the matter is MDP or the opposition parties have no respect for the Constitution and have used the law as a tool to delegitimize each other time and time again.
As my last article suggested, I have great respect for Nasheed and I would welcome his return to politics. However, I, along with many others, was disappointed in the way he turned defeat into a cause for nationwide violence in our country. Violence was incited, invoked and aggravated by MDP supporters and all MDP factions should ask themselves, with honesty and without any political bias, whether they could have done more to stop the violence that occurred across the country on 8th February? It is a democratic and a positive thing to go out and protest in support of your party and beliefs, but NOT at the expense of public order, public buildings and the safety of people. In islands where infrastructure is still limited, what is there to gain by burning public buildings? I strongly condemn people who damage the country’s infrastructure in their political zeal.
I do not believe the security forces (MNDF and state police) are our enemies. Every single one of us probably has a relative or friend working in the Maldives National Defence Force or the Police. They are victims of this political unrest as much as any one of us and have been used as pawns by our politicians. Holding them solely responsible for reacting to the hoards of angry protesters – MDP or the opposition – as per their job role, and for the failures of the law-making bodies, is excessive. I am not saying that they shouldn’t be held accountable for their actions, but I do think the indiscriminate attacks on members of the security forces, their offices and the ongoing hate campaign against them is unnecessary.
Having said that, the security forces in the country have a responsibility to answer to the people for the use of excessive force, violent language and brutal attacks on MDP members (and their head office), wherever and whenever it occurred this week, as seen in the various videos and photographs circulating on the internet. I do appreciate that a country’s security force plays a crucial role in maintaining law and order, but they themselves are not above the law. Anyone who has seen the violent incidents of the last few days would question the motives and compassion of the security forces. On the day of the most gruesome violence it was hard to distinguish who was more of a thug! Security forces now have a responsibility to regain the public’s trust and have some real soul-searching to do.
In fact, maybe we all have some soul-searching to do.
For too long we have been manipulated by politicians for their political agendas. We need to remove our political party hats and think of what is best for the country and not for a particular political party or ideology. The only thing standing between the current situation and our country’s stability is YOU. You have the power to decide the fate of our country, not a few politicians who are squabbling over power. What makes Nasheed’s supporters think that even if Nasheed and MDP are reinstated (through demonstrations or any other means) our problem of disunity will be sorted? Do they think the opposition will just walk away? Similarly, what makes supporters of the opposition think they will achieve anything by sidelining MDP and their supporters from Maldivian politics? Our politicians need to stop squabbling over trivial matters and accept that there are Maldivians who admire Gayyoom and Nasheed. Clearly Nasheed’s regime sold themselves short, because even after 30 years of corruption and repression by Gayyoom’s regime, Nasheed and the MDP failed to gain an outright majority in parliament or within the country’s population. Nasheed was right when he recently stated that “it can take years to stamp out the lingering remnants of past regimes”, and so we need to work with such ‘remnants’. We need to judge, praise and back our politicians based on what they can offer to develop our economy, deliver political stability and solve social problems; not on whether they are remnants of Gayyoom’s regime or Nasheed’s regime. We need to accept that there is no majority in the country at present and learn to live and progress with divided opinions. This, my fellow countrymen, is the essence of democracy.
We will never be in peace if we keep suggesting short term solutions to a long term problem. By having a snap election and by halting all government operations we will achieve nothing. Both parties need to sit down and negotiate a re-election in due course (in 6 months, perhaps), when we have achieved some stability. I fully support Nasheed’s suggestion to have a re-election, but not in two months, as he demands. Elections have a propensity to cause violence and should be undertaken with the proper state apparatus in place and not hastily. The current President needs to ensure that an election takes place in due course to avoid further conflict. Dr. Waheed should remember that what we have at the moment is only a crisis government and not a government of the people. If civil resistance is the opted means of protest by the majority of people, please let it be non-violent. All factions within the political system have gravely disappointed us and have a lot to prove of themselves now. In due time, WE, the citizens of the country, will decide who will govern us by a free and fair election. The power of the ballot will speak for itself.
keep writing! refreshing and very balanced and insightful perspectives on the current political situation. so nice to get a break from all the propaganda
My thoughts exactly dhondhatta.
What I really can’t get over with the events of the past few days (and even before) is the destruction of public infrastructure. Islanders moan about having no services in the islands but every chance they get these same people go out and destroy the limited infrastructure that they do have. Why do they not get that they are only harming themselves (in the long run) ?!!!
What I can’t accept is the torture given to humans! If these people have committed a crime, they should be given the proper punishment through a court of law; not with beatings or raping the females.
this is a nice piece of writing.. i applaud the writer as it is neutral and for once it speaks of both sides giving people like me a new perspective to think about regarding the current situation.. same acknowledgments for the rest of the pieces u have written so far.
Very impressive article. It’s comforting to read such articles at a time of chaos.
i love your unbiased write up. very important at times like these esp when the media we have in the maldives is a big biased joke
A great article. unbiased – much for each one of us to ponder.
where were all these good morale people so far?.. when you have got what you want you talk about peace..you believe you should not face the consequences of what you did.. after illegitimately bringing down the people elected president, brutally beating up the people who are in support of the president, arresting large number of their MPs and council member and destroying largely populated areas of the country which are in favor of democratically elected president…now you want everyone else to go home and sit quietly and let you rest… are you kidding me?
Thank you for reading my post and commenting. I only speak of what I observe and I will call for peace whether you appreciate it or not. I have no affiliations with any sides and want what is best for my country not for any political party. As I have stated in the article I agree that the beatings by the police were brutal and these people should be held accountable for their actions. I also state that we need to have a re-election as a solution to the current crisis. I don’t know what else you want the country to go through – more violence? a cycle of revenge?
This article was written based on eye witness accounts of both MDP vicitms and MNDF staff – this was in order to gain broader perspective on the issue. The intention of the article was to be thought-provoking and I hope it does that. I appreciate people have different views based on different circumstances and the events of the past week make emotions run high. But if we constantly argue that ‘it is my way or no way’ then we will be on brink of civil war very soon! So please be aware of what you are asking for when you say ‘now you want everyone else to go home and sit quietly and let you rest’.
Thank you for this wonderfully informative, professional, and un-biased article Peephole.
Still, it’s sad to see that the hysteria has reached such heights that people are confusing democratic, intelligent and sensible thought for selfishness and lack of compassion (such as in the case of the comment by Hasyna). It is sad to see that some people don’t realise that their passion for justice is blinding them from their own militant words and in effect rejection of a peaceful resolution. Oh, God forbid if you use the word ‘peace’!
I hope that more people read this and be motivated to encourage others to think along the same line.
I agree with Hasyna. The police is arresting MDP people. I agree they should also be arrested if they do a crime. But I also want to see the opposition and members of the security forces who have violated the constitution to be brought to justice, but sadly we are not seeing this. Isn’t it so convenient for the coup elements to delay the elections.
so v true!!!! really appreciate it….. thanks.. hope many would read this and stop all this nonsense.
kudos to you for the wonderfully written article… it is heartwarming to know that there are still people who love peace and think rationally.
i m just shocked that u did not notice that the only people brutally beating on others were the police/MNDF ONLY. i dont think u even watched any of the videos that were circulating. let me guess.. u were watching VTV/DHiTV/”TVM”. way to go keeping urself ‘aware’ of what was going on around u.. the protestors calling out for a fair election instead of forceful take over were only doing a peaceful protest when the security forces starting beating on our brothers/sisters/fathers/mothers. r u saying v should just give up on our rights?? the protestors intentions were never to cause violence. all they wanted was justice. i have some food for your thought..how patriotic are u?
Thanks for the comment. I’m sorry but I think you are either twisting or misintepreting my words. The article clearly states my condemnation of police brutality but I also condemn anyone who commits violence, whether MNDF or MDP. Like you, I also want a violence-free country where we all can walk without fear and intimidation.
I fully agree with your fight for the rights of the people and I am sure the protests were meant to be peaceful; but Maldivian protests are hardly violence-free. The distinction between perpetrators and victims of violence is not always as black and white as you would think. Inciting violence by saying things like ‘kerenya jahaa’ or aggravating violence by picking on someone until they hit you are causes of violence; and knowing protest-styles in Maldives I know for a fact that there would have been many instances where MDP supporters would have incited or aggravated violence. Burning buildings, beatings, fear and intimidation are also forms of violence regardless of who committed it. I don’t think anyone should be excused because there is enough evidence to suggest that violence was committed from all sides that day.So forgive me for being unbiased about this issue and condemning violence by everyone!!
I don’t mean to sound sarcastic but here’s some food for your thoughts: Don’t walk around asking people how patriotic they are just because they don’t agree with the way you see things. The whole basis of this blog is because of my love for my country.
interesting and very insightful article. I want to be optimistic but the recent events and the acts of our politicians have proven that it will be very difficult to restore peace. so far their own interests precedes nation building. too occupied..
great post
and I agree with most of it.
the power of the ballot will speak out …
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Dear Endherimariyambu,
Thank you in advance for accepting my post.
I have read your article “Two days of chaos: Soul searching in the Maldives” with great interest and wanted to share with you some of my own reflections on some things you said.
You said, and I quote ‘I do not believe the security forces (MNDF and state police) are our enemies.” I would very much like to be in an emotional place, a safe space where I can say that to myself and to my family and go to sleep. Unfortunately, history is against me, against us and my sleep is marred with nightmares of footsteps on the door in the middle of the night, it is imprinted with the memory of loved ones being dragged into the darkness of the night and not hearing from them from them for the next months to come. It is imprinted with the memory of a policeman in civilian cloth coming to tell me that next time I see him he will not have his toe nails. It is imprinted with the chaos of wondering whether you could share this piece of information with your mother. It is vomiting out the water melon you ate on your new outfit, involuntarily, in front of your aghast friends, because you just remembered that it is his favourite fruit.. It is when you cannot bear to wear red until she is free of what they have entrapped her, because red is her favourite colour.
We too would like to be in this place where we could trust these people. We too would like to draw that line and move on and say that was in the past, but the past has caught up with us fast and these nightmares reoccur when we see them bashing his car, bashing our heads, throwing us around and it is so very hard to tell yourself that they are not our enemy.
Don’t get me wrong. I appreciate your optimism and what looks like a plea for reconciliation. We too would like to get there!
Keep writing, I am not sure who you are, but I am encouraged!
Nashida
Nashida, thanks for reading my blog. It is sad and unfortunate for anyone to feel unsafe in their own homes and fear for their loved ones. I’m not sure whether you or a member of your family have had a bad experience with the police but if that is the case, sorry to hear that. My family have had their own experiences with the police, some good, some bad. I still don’t consider them my enemy, but that’s just me. We live in a small community and we live side by side, literally in each other’s face all the time. Security forces have and will continue to be an institution of our state and their staff will live just across the road from us.
I do question their conduct and motives. I question their impartiality but I don’t question their purpose in our society. I condemn their violent behaviour on the 8th of Feb. 2012 and other instances. But I also hold the government responsible for their conduct and that includes all governments since 1978, who have to take the responsibility for politicising them. They have clearly been out of order on many instances, especially since the beginning of this year. As my other articles suggests, there is a need for them to reform and gain public trust.
One truth I cannot deny is that we need security services to maintain law and order, particularly in Male’ where crime rate, lawlessness and violence is extremely high. Whoever wins from the current power struggle, they will still have to be served by the security forces. For instance, if MDP wins the election they will have to work with the same security forces that supposedly were responsible for overthrowing Nasheed. A few in the top tier of the security forces might change but the main lower ranks would still be the same (unless MDP or every other new government is able to recruit an entire new security force from our 315,000 people every time there is an exchange of power!). I can understand your sentiment and I respect your view.
Instead of calling them baghees or enemies and isolating them, I would rather try to engage with them and change their conduct. I would rather try to educate and democratise them.
Your line ‘we too would like to get there’ encourages me. Thanks.
Dear Endhimariyabu,
Thank you posting my earlier post and for your reflections. You seem, as they say these days very colourless. I on the other hand am proud to be of colour, so let me defend my Kula Yellow, the Maldivian Democratic Party, and reflect on a thing or two about the party and police brutality.
The fight against police brutality is the very raison d’etre of this party! It is what brought together and what unites us. While we may fumble on issues about taxation, on whether we should boycott resorts, we stand united against this issue. And against all odds this party has succeeded in bringing to light what was once happening in dark cells, remote islands and closed doors, and given comfort to each other in the face of it and when confronted with it. People of this party are the first to say “NO’ to it proudly, and defend hundred faceless people brutalized. That is a remarkable achievement for any country, and I presume you will agree with me, a fundamental foundation of democracy without which it has no hope to flourish. It seems to me that the party is victimized for precisely this achievement, because the ‘enemy’ understands that this is a shift in mind set far much powerful then even real armaments. For you could destroy tents, you could even annihilate open spaces, but you cannot destroy a belief.
Ma’am I would like to invite you to come and be with us people of colour, even for a day, wear our gulsampaa tinted glasses and see the world through it. You will understand then how democracy is lived and experienced by people….
Nashida
‘Colourless’ is a word people use today to label only when they cannot handle someone else’s opinion. To me it’s just a word, a technicality that people kick as a ping pong ball. I really don’t care whether people think I am colourless or not as it has no real meaning in it. It is a very speculative term and is whatever you want it to be. I am inclined towards MDP because my values are more in line with the core values of MDP and this you will see throughout my blog. Having said that I find it interesting that so many people who call for democratic values are unable to digest differences in opinion and have a constant need to convince people that their view is always right. In the current climate, we are all so clogged up in emotions, so fair enough. But for how long?
I have read countless tweets where people say that they fear supporting or declaring their support to anyone because of intimidation by MDP supporters? I am sure MDP cannot solely be responsible for this but don’t you think MDP should re-evaluate their thinking a little bit over this? Isn’t this democracy in reverse mode as well? Apart from the protests for the condemnation of police brutality, call for election, have there been attempts to empower other democratic rights?
You sound like the passionate MDPians that inspired people in 2008, would be good if you could please enlighten me and other readers on the questions I’ve asked. What does MDP intend to do about this creeping fear amongst others? Now I already know that the current situation is the way it is because of the judicial problems, the coup, the beatings on 8th Feb., the Parliament problems and all – that I have no doubt about. But as a responsible party that serves the people, that always wishes the interests of all Maldivians, that want to get out of this political mess as much as everyone else, convince me and many others that MDP is the way forward? This maybe a question suitable for a party official but would be great to read what you think.
In most discussions I have with a friend or foe I remind people that if it wasn’t for MDP we would not be able to speak, think and write freely. I practice this very freedom as I write here and give credit where it is deserved. But I am not afraid to scrutinize anyone or any party where they deserve it. That’s just me, practicing my democratic freedoms. We all have different priorities and my priorities are to call for non-violence, negotiation and national solidarity. I am also very cautious about who I label as my enemy.
I have lived and experienced democracy as much as anyone else. I have worn gulsampaa tinted and many other glasses; and literally seen a lot in this world through it. Great that you are passionate about your party and I am sure you are proud of what your party has achieved so far. But there is more to be done. Thanks for the insightful comment, enjoyed reading it.
You asked what MDP can do to get us out of this mess? Your answer is in the numbers of people on the streets.
You said “ if it wasn’t for MDP we would not be able to speak, think and write freely.” You should then ask yourself how we got there, the answer is by demonstrating, by showing the numbers
I remain confident that you will join us soon!
“We are rarely proud when we are alone.” Voltaire
You asked what MDP can do to get us out of this mess? Your answer is in the numbers of people on the streets. You said “ if it wasn’t for MDP we would not be able to speak, think and write freely.” You should then ask yourself how we got there, the answer is by demonstrating, by showing the numbers.
I remain confident that you will join us soon!
“We are rarely proud when we are alone.” Voltaire
The line between peaceful protest and violent riots are increasingly becoming blurry in the Maldives. So I am not fully convinced whether MDP practices the democratic values they preach, yet. Protests are a useful mechanism for change as proven time and time again in the Maldives, but my concern is what political parties offer after the protest. We achieved a lot in 2008 as a result of protests but what happened after that in the next three years failed to convince many people. You would think that after 30 years repression and the consequent political emancipation there would an outright love for the emancipators right? But that was not the case. This is why MDP needs to re-evaluate themselves.
If I were to join a party, I would join a party that has a mandate to serve the people regardless of what their colour is. It takes a lot more than protests and support to maintain stability in a country. Thanks.
Dear Endhimariyambu,
I will be the first to agree with you that MDP made many mistakes after coming to power in 2008, and never before in this country has such mistakes been so brazenly advertised, nor so vehemently criticized or scrutinized. Further, in power every single MDP policy is an action and a reaction to appeal to the electorate. Wasn’t that a beautiful moment, isn’t that democracy. Can you really say the same now?
I agree with you that it failed to convince ‘many’ people. What we will never know is whether the ‘majority’ felt MDP had failed as only an election could tell us that. We can speculate, but we will never know. Had there been an election after a full term in office and had the MDP failed that election, yes they would have had to ‘re-evaluate’ themselves, these are democratic processes.
Although this is obvious let me reiterate, in a democracy what the ‘majority’ feels is what counts. This is not a perfect system but the most effective proven system of governance we have. In a democracy the interests of ‘many’ will not be met, that ‘many’ maybe an educated, monied, elite, who may rightly or wrongly feel that the masses are uneducated, unguided and following the wrong leadership.
But the public is never wrong!
Thanks
Nashida
Nasheeda, I agree, it was very unfair to oust Nasheed before his full term and the opposition should have waited for the election. I don’t want to go into an academic debate on the shortcomings of democratic politics (which there are many!) but the conventional idea that ‘majority’ rules is not an excuse for marginalising the minority regardless of who they are. The ‘public’ is a not a homogenous entity particularly in the case of the Maldives, so all actors in the political process have a responsibility to take into account the pleas, sensitivities and concerns of various groups. Anyway, we can debate about this for long; we both have strong views on what we believe is best for our country. I have nothing against MDP, my prime concern is that in the process of anyone coming into power no one should be allowed to destroy the economy, political stability and social fabric of our society. Thanks.
Dear Endhimariyambu,
There are a number of accusations that you have made including your latest about destroying the economic and political stability of a country. It will be great if you could substantiate these claims, if not they will be thrown out simply as rhetoric. We on the other side of the fence see things differently and without proof of all these claims it is hard to react positively to these accusations.
I have tried as best as I can to react to your questions, now I ask what has those that have taken the ground called ‘neutrality’ done to diffuse and or find a solution to the problem in this country.
As I write there are over 400 arrested since 7 Feb, who are in some way affiliated to the party. Some are women including friends and relatives of ours. Last we heard the women were sexually harassed. The night before the police barged into one of my best friend’s house and dragged the mother away, she is in her mid 60’s and in her house, never ever has she been anywhere near a demonstration, not in 2008 nor now. You will agree with me these are not remedies for soundless sleep, (actually these posts are a result of it) and we do not want to be anxiety ridden parents.
Can you tell us what you have done and will do for a solution? Would you at least life the phone and call a person of authority and ask them if these allegations of sexual harassments are true?
Recently I friend of mine posted my comment on your blog and another friend shared with us a quote from C S Lewis, I would like to share this with you
”It may be hard for an egg to turn into a bird: it would be a jolly sight harder for it to learn to fly while remaining an egg. We are like eggs at present. And you cannot go on indefinitely being just an ordinary, decent egg. We must be hatched or go bad.” C S Lewis.
With respect
Nashida
Dear Nashida – as someone who researches and writes on the Maldives I take the liberty to make observations and write about it. It doesn’t take a genius to know that the current political instability is caused by the political actors on both sides and this is likely to have a negative impact on the economy. They are not accusations but statements made based on my observations of events. You are welcome to disagree with my statements. These are not academic pieces. In the same vein I can also say that what you have stated in your last message as information without any substantiation!
Being neutral is an act itself which contributes to conflict resolution. As this is not a personal conversation log and I don’t know you, I will leave the part about what I do personally to diffuse the conflict. Some solution-based blog pieces are being written though. I am ending this conversation here as we are not addressing impending issues anymore but trying to explain why we say what we say. Your questions and your own reflections are thought-provoking so thank you for your contribution.
Thanks.
Anni is a bloody traitor.He should be tried and given maximum sentence for jeopardising our independence by selling our economy to foreigners for his monetary gain.After resigning he torched the entire nation.
If justice is not served during my life time, I will tell my children to get the mad man
Anonymous, before Nasheed is tried shouldn’t Gayyoom be tried first? Nasheed did not sell our economy to foreigners, that’s an exaggeration. We need to gain freedom from the political sins of our own countrymen, not from foriegn elements. Also, why would you preach so much hatred to your children? Focus and direct your anger towards how we can move forward with the problems we have.