mdpimpedesreform
Majilis sessions suspended over threats against members and staff
Ismail Rifau, Political Correspondent
Male’, Maldives, 6th February 2006 (www.olhuala.com) – The secretariat of the People’s Special Majilis announced the indefinite adjournment of sessions unless and until ‘(parties) responsible for the intimidation of Majilis members’ guarantee the safety of all members of the Special Majlis, Majlis and its secretariat. The delay has come at a crucial time, leading to accusations that the move has political motives as the chamber is sharply divided along partisan lines about the issue of presidential appointees to the Majilis. It is believed that a special law ensuring the safeguard of such members should be drafted by the 15 of this month.
The last session of the Special Majilis and meetings of the Administrative Committee have seen crowds of a hundred or more gather at the entrance, vocally abusing MPs on their way in and out from the building. A few DRP MPs have reportedly been assaulted by the mob outside – gathered by and supporting the MDP.
DRP members have also faced numerous death threats according to the Maldives Police Services (MPS).
MDP leader Ibrahim Ismail, on the 30th of January set a new precedent by forcefully and unlawfully taking the floor at a meeting of the Administrative Committee at which he was present only as an observer. According to Majilis rules, MPs can attend such committee meetings as observers, but cannot speak or vote at the meeting; hence Ibra is expected to be given a severe reprimand.
In light of recent actions by the MDP, analysts believe that they have no intention of partaking in the implementation of the reform agenda. Some have gone as far as stating that the MDP at present is working to jeopardise the reform agenda through revolutionary tactics including mass demonstrations, the boycott of key parliamentary sessions and disengaging the government.
“The MDP is at a very critical stage. Since their political funeral [the failed attempt of the 24th January mass demonstration was referred to as such by Foreign Minister Dr Shaheed, the phrase has been picked up by analysts and the media ever since] they have tried to score some points one way or another. They have come up with this campaign to question the legality of the presidential appointees to the Majilis. They know as well as anyone else knows that it is in the constitution and is simply cannot be changed until the amendments are ratified” says the DRP’s Jaufar Easa Adam MP, for Haa Alif Atoll.
It will be interesting to see whether the MDP will accept President Gayoom’s invitation and engage in dialogue at the all-party meetings. The invitations, which were sent out last November, have so far been refused by the MDP who have offered a multitude of reasons for their refusal.
Click to read full story
Ismail Rifau, Political Correspondent
Male’, Maldives, 6th February 2006 (www.olhuala.com) – The secretariat of the People’s Special Majilis announced the indefinite adjournment of sessions unless and until ‘(parties) responsible for the intimidation of Majilis members’ guarantee the safety of all members of the Special Majlis, Majlis and its secretariat. The delay has come at a crucial time, leading to accusations that the move has political motives as the chamber is sharply divided along partisan lines about the issue of presidential appointees to the Majilis. It is believed that a special law ensuring the safeguard of such members should be drafted by the 15 of this month.
The last session of the Special Majilis and meetings of the Administrative Committee have seen crowds of a hundred or more gather at the entrance, vocally abusing MPs on their way in and out from the building. A few DRP MPs have reportedly been assaulted by the mob outside – gathered by and supporting the MDP.
DRP members have also faced numerous death threats according to the Maldives Police Services (MPS).
MDP leader Ibrahim Ismail, on the 30th of January set a new precedent by forcefully and unlawfully taking the floor at a meeting of the Administrative Committee at which he was present only as an observer. According to Majilis rules, MPs can attend such committee meetings as observers, but cannot speak or vote at the meeting; hence Ibra is expected to be given a severe reprimand.
In light of recent actions by the MDP, analysts believe that they have no intention of partaking in the implementation of the reform agenda. Some have gone as far as stating that the MDP at present is working to jeopardise the reform agenda through revolutionary tactics including mass demonstrations, the boycott of key parliamentary sessions and disengaging the government.
“The MDP is at a very critical stage. Since their political funeral [the failed attempt of the 24th January mass demonstration was referred to as such by Foreign Minister Dr Shaheed, the phrase has been picked up by analysts and the media ever since] they have tried to score some points one way or another. They have come up with this campaign to question the legality of the presidential appointees to the Majilis. They know as well as anyone else knows that it is in the constitution and is simply cannot be changed until the amendments are ratified” says the DRP’s Jaufar Easa Adam MP, for Haa Alif Atoll.
It will be interesting to see whether the MDP will accept President Gayoom’s invitation and engage in dialogue at the all-party meetings. The invitations, which were sent out last November, have so far been refused by the MDP who have offered a multitude of reasons for their refusal.
Click to read full story