It is a remarkable indication of the double standards and hypocrisy that now befits international relations in the 21st century that a group can call for the overthrow of a democratically elected government in a press conference hosted in London and get away with it. But that is exactly what has happened. The “unacceptable” democratic government in question is the elected administration of the Maldives.
First came former President Nasheed’s extraordinary international media tour, under the guise of a medical problem. While Nasheed’s “damascene” recovery – achieved, it seems, on the flight to London was without shame, it was his pronouncements via the international media that were far more incredible.
There was the repeated line that he was a ‘deposed’ President - something that has been refuted by respected and independent international organisations – yet seemingly accepted, and repeated without question, by British and US media and parliamentarians. Then the trash talking began, with grossly exaggerated claims of homegrown extremists and a country on the verge of collapse. Neither, as the facts show, were true.
Yet this cynical politicking has sowed the seeds of something far worse and much more damaging. Nasheed appeared to have succeeded with his initial round of half-truths and exaggerations, at least in convincing his unquestioning audience. So it seemed natural to go to the next level. When the Maldivian opposition held a press conference in London on 1st June, that’s when they openly called for the ‘overthrow’ of the Maldives government.
With NGOs and senior UK politicians in attendance, the extraordinary and open pronouncements of a planned coup d’etat by various Maldivian opposition members went completely unchallenged. This was all happening in a country with one of the oldest parliamentary systems in the world – a supposed bastion of democracy.
History has taught us just how damaging it can be to subvert democratic procedures and institutions. In the Maldives, a young and fledgling democracy, the fragile political equilibrium gained after decades of one party rule must be nurtured, not undermined. Now with three internationally recognised multi-party elections under its belt, years of hard work risks being undone by a cavalier and reckless group of politicians, many based abroad, who see short term gain as far more favourable than the political stability of their own nation.
There is a deep irony in the fact that the party of former President Nasheed – a man courting the international media as the saviour of Maldivian democracy, now stands unabashed in front of the media as his organisation calls for a coup. This self-declared democratic defender is after all, the same person who sanctioned the arrest of a judge who had the audacity to release from jail one of Nasheed’s political critics. The extreme hypocrisy is obvious.
It is worth remembering some simple facts. The current President secured victory in an election recognised as free and fair by observers. The Maldives currently enjoys some of the healthiest economic and development figures not only in the South Asia region, but the whole of the continent. The press are free to report and criticise the President, and continue to do so on TV, radio and the Internet, minute by minute. Political rallies – some opposition and others government supporting – are held almost every day.
The Maldives remains a young, imperfect democracy. But to demand the government’s “overthrow” – or indeed its replacement by any other means other than through a democratic ballot – is an affront to Maldivians and to those that have struggled to build the country out of its post-independence era.
The ramifications of any attempted illegal overthrow are so serious they do not bear thinking about. It would create political chaos in a country that is currently enjoying relative stability. It will drive a wedge between the two main political entities so deep governing may be rendered impossible. Efforts by the current administration, with the support of the UN and the Commonwealth, to hold a meaningful dialogue with all political parties to place the nation back on the path of development and progress would surely be undone. The subversion of state institutions might also create deep resentment amongst the people that Maldivians rely on to guard their fundamental rights and security – the police, armed forces and judiciary.
And while the opposition repeatedly claims domestic security is under threat in the Maldives, what could drive people on to the streets more than the sight of a government stolen from them? Or push young men towards extremes as opportunities are lost through political and economic instability?
Worryingly, the opposition seems to already sanction such violence. They have created a fund to financially support those who break basic public order rules or get arrested. It is another remarkable and blatant attempt to sew division and stir up violence. Its architect, Shadow Home Minister Thasmeen, has motives, it seems, in a political resurrection with this new policy. Much like former President Nasheed, it seems personal ambition and a moment in the limelight trumps national service. If Nasheed were the true democrat he claims, he would immediately denounce this move, along with the push for an ‘overthrow’.
This brings us back to the bizarre press conference held in London on 1st June. Public statements from the UK and US governments as well as the UN denouncing coup d’etats and attempts to subvert electoral processes in other parts of the world abound. Yet the UK government allowed calls for the overthrow of a sovereign, democratically elected government right under their noses, without so much as a comment, and while members of the UK’s governing party were even present.
Since 1st June the UK government has changed. David Cameron – a long-time and public cheerleader for Nasheed has departed. Let us hope that the UK Administration that replaces his – now under the leadership of new Prime Minister Theresa May – as well as the international community as a whole, can begin to see the Maldivian opposition’s actions for what they are. Their approach and demands are not altruism, nor duty, but political opportunism of the worst kind.
by Abudulla Rifau
Abdulla Rifau is the Member of Parliament (PPM) for the Maafannu South (Malé) Constituency.
You can find him on twitter as : @RifauMP
On Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/bocheyRifau
