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!