'I shall not hold a political post under an MDP government' - Latheef

An interview with Former member of the Maldivian Democratic party, Mohamed Latheef.

Q: You went into self-exile on 22 September 2003 following the custodial killing of a young prisoner and embarked on what you refer to as a freedom struggle. How successful has the Maldivian Democratic Party been in its three years of existence?

A: MDP agitation coupled with external as well as internal pressure has brought in substantial political changes to Maldives. For example, after years of denying people their constitutional right to freedom of association, Gayoom was forced last year to register political parties.

After years of control of the media, he was forced to register independent magazines and newspapers.

Most significantly the people are losing their fear of Gayoom's police and his repressive system of governance.

MDP has replaced fear with hope in the minds of Maldivians.

Q: So Maldives is now more or less a free democratic society?

A: Far from it. MDP Chairman and many of its activists are either in jail or have cases pending against them, arbitrary arrests and summary justice still takes places, entire island communities are subject to intimidation and police harassment, Gayoom's Head Torturer Adam Zahir is very much in charge of running the police state on his behalf.

The list is very long and gruesome. It would be naive to believe that a repressive despot of 28 years standing would introduce freedom and democracy.

Q: But surely an ambitious agenda for reform and democracy with a time frame was introduced in March this year and is being followed?

A: Oh really! Please look at this objectively, go beyond the hype. There have been more arbitrary arrests and instances of summary justice and persecution of entire island communities in the two months following the publication of the so called Roadmap for the Democratic Reform Agenda, than perhaps anytime before in his 28 years of repressive rule.

An objective appraisal of the bills and decrees he introduced to usher in his brave new world will convince you that what he has in mind for Maldives is not a roadmap for reform but a roadblock for freedom, democracy and the right to live in dignity.

Q: The new constitution is expected to be adopted as early as next year or perhaps in 2008. Fresh elections will follow.

A: Firstly there is no guarantee the constitution will be adopted even in 2008. Elections for the constituent assembly took place before parties were permitted to register. With 29 members appointed by him, Gayoom controls the constituent assembly.

Most of us believe that, on one pretext or another, the presidential elections scheduled for 2008 will be according to the present constitution whereby the parliament, which he now controls, will decide on one name. The people have the choice of saying either yes or no. Going by precedent he will manipulate the entire election process.