More on the coalition some other time. Right now a lot of what we are hearing is about the responsibilities of the government-elect. We all voted for our respective candidates based on (i hope) what they offered for the future of our nation. Based on what they promised to do - on the responsibilities and obligations that they have assumed unto themselves.
That said; what about us? What responsibilities do we have in developing and nurturing our young and emerging democracy? A lot - in fact so much so that if I were to write about what comes to my mind, I'll be blogging on it indefinitely.
One issue I would like to highlight here is the importance of due process and our responsibility to keep tabs on the government thus holding it accountable.
In my opinion, one of the many reasons for the downfall of the Gayyoom lead government was its inability to be accountable for its actions. A system of accountability had not been in place over the many years and when, over the past few years measures came into force to hold the government accountable, it seemed to have overwhelmed a top brass who were not used to 'being accountable' as such.
One very simple illustration for it would be the reactions from the various departments to the reports published by the president appointed-parliament approved independent auditor general. The issues highlighted in the relevant audit reports were fact-based. In response, rather than giving any explanation or stating measures taken to rectify the issues; the departments chose to either attack the Auditor General (AG) and/or the methodology of the report culminating on the attempt by 'ruling' parties to remove the AG. More on that later.
Back to the point. It is essential for any society to have faith and trust in its government. Ultimately, it is up to us the people to build that trust and faith. Is it after all, the actions of us the people that break the trust we have in our government. Do we still continue to bribe the mid level government official to get/speed up any permits that we need or do we demand due process?
When Dr. Hassan was in government, I remember him saying that rights are not 'delivered on a plate' and that rights are 'given' to people who fight for it. I say its the same with due process. We have to demand for due process in every aspect of governance. If we do not we will continue to 'gift' the mid level official for years to come.
It is not only the governments responsibility to ensure that issues such as this are teethed out but equally or perhaps even more importantly, it is up to us the people to ensure that we demand for due process thus ensuring full accountability of our government.
More to come...
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Dawn of a new day
Yesterday we voted in the first multi-party presidential elections in our country's history. Today we wake up to a new dawn of promises, affectionately known as aneh dhivehi raaje or the 'other' Maldives.
The country is in need of change and with the new constitution in place, change was certainly coming. Although yesterday a significant majority decided that it was not only the system that needed to change and that we needed a new leader as well to bring about change.
Few years ago, it was unthinkable that a person from outside the ranks of the government could succeed Mr. Gayoom as the leader of this nation. It was seen as an impossible task for someone to transform from being an activist to a political leader.
Anni has today proved that the 'then' unthinkable is in fact achievable. He has successfully transformed himself from being a political activist to the leader of a nation, much in need for political, sociological and economic stability. With the coalition in place it would seem that he is well positioned to provide the country with just that.
Although, a lot depends on the success and the strength of the coalition. I am somewhat skeptical about the sustainability of a coalition that is formed with factions of very difference schools of thought. For one, how well the liberal democratic ideas of MDP sits with the conservative mindset of Adaalath remains to be seen.
As a result of us having a presidential system of government, the mandate lies with Anni himself. Not the coalition. Anni has to be a strong leader able to make tough choices if he is to hold his coalition together. But does he need the coalition to be together? Perhaps not! Although a lot will depend on the result of the Parliamentary Elections to be held in February. A power shift within the coalition itself is bound to happen based on the winnings in February. The stronger showing MDP can make in the elections, the lesser will be its need for the coalition.
Lets wait and see how it all unfolds. Interesting it shall certainly be!
The country is in need of change and with the new constitution in place, change was certainly coming. Although yesterday a significant majority decided that it was not only the system that needed to change and that we needed a new leader as well to bring about change.
Few years ago, it was unthinkable that a person from outside the ranks of the government could succeed Mr. Gayoom as the leader of this nation. It was seen as an impossible task for someone to transform from being an activist to a political leader.
Anni has today proved that the 'then' unthinkable is in fact achievable. He has successfully transformed himself from being a political activist to the leader of a nation, much in need for political, sociological and economic stability. With the coalition in place it would seem that he is well positioned to provide the country with just that.
Although, a lot depends on the success and the strength of the coalition. I am somewhat skeptical about the sustainability of a coalition that is formed with factions of very difference schools of thought. For one, how well the liberal democratic ideas of MDP sits with the conservative mindset of Adaalath remains to be seen.
As a result of us having a presidential system of government, the mandate lies with Anni himself. Not the coalition. Anni has to be a strong leader able to make tough choices if he is to hold his coalition together. But does he need the coalition to be together? Perhaps not! Although a lot will depend on the result of the Parliamentary Elections to be held in February. A power shift within the coalition itself is bound to happen based on the winnings in February. The stronger showing MDP can make in the elections, the lesser will be its need for the coalition.
Lets wait and see how it all unfolds. Interesting it shall certainly be!
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