mdpfani
MDP Humiliated: Damage limitation machinery into action
Moonisa Easa, Political Analyst
Male', Maldives 24th January 2006 (olhuala.com) - The MDP's spin doctors were called into action as the party's 'first public demonstration' was called off in abject failure. Less than 1,200 people in the whole country heeded the MDP's call for a mass action this afternoon. The largest gathering, in Male' artificial beach, featured no more than 900 participants at any one period.
The MDP had called on 'all Maldivians, big and small to gather' at locations suggested in each island by their island cell leaders. It is unclear how a party which claims over 30,000 members countrywide can live down a rejection on such a massive scale.
This outcome, possibly the 'political funeral of the party' predicted by Foreign Minister Ahmed Shaheed, definitely sees the other populist party, Adhaalaath, led by religious hardliners, replace the MDP as the main opposition party in the Maldives. It is widely accepted now that the Adhaalaath Party supports more members and respect within Maldivian society than the MDP ever did.
The MDP's spin machinery is now expected to kick into action to recover any scraps it can. Their websites have already reported that '10,000 people joined the protests', but these have been dismissed as pure fantasy by those who are watching the coverage on TV.
Other lines expected to materialise (although this may take some time) are: 'MDP shows it can demonstrate peacefully' and 'More demonstrations to follow'. However, it is impossible to reconcile the fact that MDP had called on all its members and supporters and their families to join in, with the turnout.
This afternoon, as supporters failed to turn up in vast numbers, the MDP leadership had a falling out with Chairman Mohamed Nasheed (Annie), the decision-maker of the party demanding more aggressive action while sitting isolated at home. Leader Ibrahim Ismail (Ibra), at the scene of events, seeing the reality of things on the ground, dismissed any such suggestions.
Live coverage on TV, opposed by some as unwarranted coverage, was seen as the turning point: Annie himself could see the number of people on TV as well as the fact there was no possibility of distorted reporting: something the MDP have frequently been accused of doing in the past.
The MDP hardcore gangland support are reportedly plotting further action tonight to follow on from threatening and intimidatory activity last night when they reportedly threatened homes of reformist 'New Maldives' ministers and other leading officials of the DRP. It is unknown whether these activities are endorsed by the party leadership.
In any case, Male' residents remain on high alert as more trouble is expected from the MDP. "This is a wounded animal. They will now have even less regard for the common man. Watch out for violent reprisals", said one resident of Galolhu.
Click to read full article
Moonisa Easa, Political Analyst
Male', Maldives 24th January 2006 (olhuala.com) - The MDP's spin doctors were called into action as the party's 'first public demonstration' was called off in abject failure. Less than 1,200 people in the whole country heeded the MDP's call for a mass action this afternoon. The largest gathering, in Male' artificial beach, featured no more than 900 participants at any one period.
The MDP had called on 'all Maldivians, big and small to gather' at locations suggested in each island by their island cell leaders. It is unclear how a party which claims over 30,000 members countrywide can live down a rejection on such a massive scale.
This outcome, possibly the 'political funeral of the party' predicted by Foreign Minister Ahmed Shaheed, definitely sees the other populist party, Adhaalaath, led by religious hardliners, replace the MDP as the main opposition party in the Maldives. It is widely accepted now that the Adhaalaath Party supports more members and respect within Maldivian society than the MDP ever did.
The MDP's spin machinery is now expected to kick into action to recover any scraps it can. Their websites have already reported that '10,000 people joined the protests', but these have been dismissed as pure fantasy by those who are watching the coverage on TV.
Other lines expected to materialise (although this may take some time) are: 'MDP shows it can demonstrate peacefully' and 'More demonstrations to follow'. However, it is impossible to reconcile the fact that MDP had called on all its members and supporters and their families to join in, with the turnout.
This afternoon, as supporters failed to turn up in vast numbers, the MDP leadership had a falling out with Chairman Mohamed Nasheed (Annie), the decision-maker of the party demanding more aggressive action while sitting isolated at home. Leader Ibrahim Ismail (Ibra), at the scene of events, seeing the reality of things on the ground, dismissed any such suggestions.
Live coverage on TV, opposed by some as unwarranted coverage, was seen as the turning point: Annie himself could see the number of people on TV as well as the fact there was no possibility of distorted reporting: something the MDP have frequently been accused of doing in the past.
The MDP hardcore gangland support are reportedly plotting further action tonight to follow on from threatening and intimidatory activity last night when they reportedly threatened homes of reformist 'New Maldives' ministers and other leading officials of the DRP. It is unknown whether these activities are endorsed by the party leadership.
In any case, Male' residents remain on high alert as more trouble is expected from the MDP. "This is a wounded animal. They will now have even less regard for the common man. Watch out for violent reprisals", said one resident of Galolhu.
Click to read full article