1st August 2010, 12:55, Male’, Maldives, Maldivestoday.com

Some of the actions of electorate in Maldives have shown maturity. People voted against former president Maumoon in 2008 and six months later they voted against current president Mr. Mohamed Nasheed by not giving him a parliamentary majority. The local council election is around the corner when the political sphere of Maldives rather upheaval.

It was during November 2008 a new president took oath of office ousting a 30 year long regime. Election results were announced on 29th October 2008, which showed opposition coalition securing 54% of votes in the second round of presidenitial election. The driving force behind opposition included runner up Mr. Mohamed Nasheed, 3rd in race and independant candidate Dr. Hassan Saeed and 4th in race and famous businessman Mr. Qasim Ibrahim. Comparing the results of first round of election it was clear that the people voted for a coalition government.

Less than two years in power president Mr. Mohamed Nasheed wants to selfishly eat the whole cake which was baked by a grand opposition coalition. Government of Mr. Nasheed wants to acquire majority of parliament through corruption or by force. Opposition MPs were recently jailed and opposition leaders detained. In a cheap tactic to undermine the parliament the cabinet resigned in en masse. Countrymen saw this as dirty politics created for political gain.Judiciary was humiliated when Mr. Nasheed’s parliementary leader claimed he is the chief justice of “People Court” which is a street court created in violation of constitution.

The government of Nasheed has taken very unpopular decisions which opposition claims was done for personal gain and involves corruption. People see Nasheed’s presidential pledges as mere rhetoric. More than 2 years in power Nasheed has done little achieve his pledges. His main duty seems to be recruit more members to his party.

Given his current war against democracy in Maldives which include undermining parliament, humiliating judiciary, penalizing civil service and detaining opposition figures are some of the reasons that many think that Mr. Nasheed is doing a poor job. Not to mention the failed economic and fiscal policy. The curent political environment in Maldives have many facts that suggest people will cast a protest vote against Mr. Nasheed whose party is in power.

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