Monday, July 30, 2007

MDP singing a new song now

Since the start of the current political reform process, MDP has been advocating towards a presidential system in Maldives. Clearly shouting out for separation of powers in the country. Now the song has changed. Why? I think MDP should be very clear why they took this stand. So in future any thing that MDP stands up for might change for the "benefit of the party"? These are all questions that should be answered without excuses.

following is from http://www.minivannews.com/news/news.php?id=1397

MDP is willing to accept the reform package proposed by President Gayoom in June 2004 provided that it includes a clear set of outcomes with a mutually agreed timetable.

MDP requests the government to open multi party talks on the reform package and to follow an inclusive process for further developing the reform agenda. We expect such an agenda to include critical milestones such as creation of an independent media, an independent election commission, a revision of electoral laws, constitutional amendments on multi party system and separation of powers, and a provision for early elections. All these reforms must conform to internationally acceptable standards and should not be subject to arbitrary executive interpretations.

Constitutional reform must result in the separation of powers, especially clear separation of the Judiciary from the Executive. Similarly, judicial and penal system reforms are urgently needed to conform to the Constitution and international practice.

More links

Anni on Why Maldives Needs Separation of Powers

Separation of Powers in Maldives


Democracy in the Maldives: Fact or Fiction?

Maldives situation `worsening'

All of the above links states clearly that MDP took a stand for separtion of powers in Maldives.

15 comments:

Maldiveshealth said...

What a misconception! Parliamentary system too can provide separation of powers with the right institutions in place.

It is silly to give a vote for presidential system saying that people like Jabir are going to buy votes. Duh

chopey said...

ok so now; we need additional information about what kinda system we need and which modifications we will bring. I guess we need to be clear on that. Like a parliamentary system with separation of powers or other stands? So are we going for a presidential system or a parliamentary or a hybrid. As far as I am aware by default when we say a parliamentary system; there is no separation of powers.

Next is its NOT just buying off the votes which is the only reason why we should NOT go for a parliamentary system. There are other more valid points; like the leader might be in power for unlimited terms; like in Singapore for 31 years, etc. Daaa! There is Valid points which has been raised. i think when we put up an argument we should also tag along valid reasons and points along with it. Not just say 'a parliamentary system is better for Maldives'. By all means and due respect raise your points why we should not vote for a presidential system or a parliamentary system. Help us and others also when we raise points about one system; don't raise points about a mixed system or a hybrid system.

Unknown said...

In democracy, there is always room for 'singing different songs'. All present and past decisions and conclusions are provisional for future revision. As humans that we are, it is hard or impossible to grasp the whole truth or the right way in matters of say political justice or institution building once and for all. As equal and free citizens having political power we are, at all the times, free to revise and re-decide our decisions. There is nothing wrong singing different songs, especially with regard to matters as difficult as finding the right institutional system. What the right institutional framework is, an ongoing debate. For example, it is only in 2007 (or 2006) that Joś́e Antonio Cheibub proposed a new explanation for the powerful Linzian framework that argued that presidentialism is more prone to failure, at least partly, because of factors endogenous to presidentialism. So it is no wonder to me and no issue to me that changing perspectives coming from people such as Anni. That is democracy. Nothing need to be fixed beyond the exercise of our liberty to change and modify it with time and with new information. After we choose, say, presidentialism and if it fails, say, even within a year, then we start anew and see if it can be modified or we choose parliamentarianism. Constitution is always open project. Proposals are always open to revision too.

chopey said...

:) Thanks for the enlightenment. So can we conclude that MDP did stand for the separation of powers; until DPR proposed to support a presidential system ? Also the fact that the so called gatherings at the lonuziyaarah kolhu was also promoting the separation of powers by MDP and suddenly; wala it changed for some good reason; which is hardly explained. Good I respect that if thats the view of the party. I am sure there must be a GOOD and VALID reason. I hope this support for the system and suddent change of policy does not back fair on MDP. The chances are there that votes might be casted for parliamentary system and DRP might win it too. Just the chances are there. Its possible and that Maumoon will staill remain in power till he dies and there won't be much anyone can do. DRP has the money; they have the power; they can easily win the parlimentary seats; don't tell me no. Mostly the atoll votes have been bought off; maybe for the male' and addu seats we have seen the choices of the ppl with good intention and free choice but if we think as a whole the country most seats for the parliament has been just bought. Then what? we destroyed everything then. Taken the rights to vote and the choice to have separation of powers and limit the terms for the president. Now that will be a big loss ey. I wonder the ppl who support for the parlimentary system have applied this to Maldives and current reality not Nigira or UK or India but to Maldives.

//Sub/Corpus said...

bro ...
when did u turn so political ...
i thought u said u r not concerened about these things ...
but its good to know that u r willing to think about the future of our country ...
i say for a nation of our size and nature ... preseidential system wud be quite ok ...
but yes ... we need changes ... alot of it ...

chopey said...

bro; not being really 'political' just concerned abt the future. Just don't care who comes to power; as long as there is a good system. I think its not being 'political' as the political. what ever that means. The choice we will make on the 18th of Aug effects everyones lives; including mine and my children and family. So I guess its ok to voice my concerns and opinions ey?

Maldiveshealth said...

By all means my decision to go for a parliamentary system is after thorough thought.. not only on the current situation of Maldives but also on the FUTURE of Maldives and solely on Maldives.

Maldiveshealth said...

It is silly to think that people of Maldives will be bought easily even in future.

Maldiveshealth said...

As long as the prime minister delivers what we need and what we people want.. i have no objection to keeping him / her party in power in parliamentary system (although it is like this .. usually the tenure dont last more than 10 years). If not we .. the people.. can throw them out..ofcourse the members do that.. but we elect the members.. so members will always keep in mind us.. the people...

Maldiveshealth said...

" As far as I am aware by default when we say a parliamentary system; there is no separation of powers.
"

This is the misconception. dude..:)

chopey said...

ok; i guess we can only tell what is the best choice; only once it is implemented and after 5 years maybe. Lets see then. Anyway I guess I understand the stand and change MDP took; the reasons and all. Its unsaid and untold; but I guess most of us are clear about why this stand was taken and the 'song has changed'. No worries. Lets just hope the public decides the right thing.. and may god help us.

idhikeeli said...

Several top officials of MDP have claimed that they are supporting a Parliamentary System just because Gayoom is supporting a Presidential System. Once, a top MDP official said this in a meeting (open to public) held with a foreign expert on constitutional reform. When the expert asked why MDP was supporting a Parliamentary System , the reply from the official was "because Gayoom is supporting Presidential System". Some others such as MPs in MDP see Parliamentary System as a system that will directly benefit them. There are some officials who genuinely believe Parliamentary System is better. There are also those who see this as an experiment before the 'real elections' to test the current strength of MDP. There are very few who think ideologically about this.

There is a greater degree of separation of powers in a Presidential System than in a Parliamentary System in which the powers of Executive and Parliament overlap. There is no denying of this.

It is OK to vote for either of these systems after fully understanding the advantages and disadvantages. Everybody has the right to choose. It is NOT OK when people are blindly following what the parties are saying. It is NOT OK when parties are manipulating this referendum for their own political gains, while feeding the people with a heavy doze of propaganda.

chopey said...

Below is a post from a forum on face book on the topic which system is best for us....

"Mohamed Saif Fathih (Majeediyya School) wrote at 4:57pm

this referendum is a preliminary test for the people of maldives.. three political parties are on one side with qayyoom and the other one.. the real opposition is on the other side. if this referendum is won by qayoom and his supporters it gurantees him the 2008 preseidential elections which means that the people are still willing to keep him in power and that the people are still not ready for a change..

if qayoom and his suppoters loose it shows that MDP is stronger than all 3 parties put together.. it also will gurantee that no matter what qayoom does he will loose in the 2008 elections making it clear that the people are willimg and ready for a change..

beleive me.

THIS REFERENDUM is the only FORECAST for us on the 2008 elections. if we want this dictator to be overthrown we need to make sure that the barulamaanee (MDP) wins.

LET SEAL QAYOOMS FATE THROUGH THIS REFERENDUM!!!"

So its not about the system after all that the "barulamaanun" are standing up for. So the tag lines they use are just all false and trying to mislead the ppl; like 'barulamaanee nizaam; rahyithun ge verikan' etc. It should be honest and communicate the truth; like they are standing up against it cos Maumoon is pro on riyaasee nizaam, etc. If not whats the difference between them and the current dictatorship?

Maldiveshealth said...

Giving one such example and concluding for all other "barulamaanun" is not fair.

chopey said...

Maldiveshealth, I am sorry; I should not have generalized it to reflect to all "barulamaanun". I understand there are ppl who are standing up for the system, honestly cos they feel its the best system for us. I am sorry once again.