Sunday, March 29, 2009

What’s the Purpose of Political Parties?


When the Constitution was being drafted in the Special Majlis, those who didn't have representation in the Majlis (all parties other than DRP and MDP) made a lot of noise that they must be involved in the process. But now that they actually got the chance to get elected and play a role in the legislature, they appear to have chickened out. This raises questions on what their role is in the democratic process, and whether the millions of tax payer's money spent on them is worth the while.

There are 11 political parties registered in the country, all getting state funds. But of them only two – MDP and DRP – are even contesting a majority of seats. Three others are contesting about 20 seats. The remaining parties are contesting 2 to 3 or no seats at all. What exactly do they plan to do in the political life of this country?

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

I think its a way of generating money.When time comes for a coalition their help will be needed.Till then they just sit and watch.There is no true political party activities in Maldives.without the people how can a party politics be promoted.We need to educate the people to succeed.

Anonymous said...

The anti corruption board can investigate this, if there is one now!
A story from the grapevine, one political party leader divided the money between the siblings and they went for overseas trips with the money of the party. Thats Maldives politics!

Anonymous said...

Some of the excuses they give for not competing in elections is funny. One leader said if he is for one seat then he can't concentrate on national issues.

Anonymous said...

This is why we have hiven up with the political parties and are following himeyn ingilaab movement. www.himeyn-ingilaab.com

Anonymous said...

Dear Waheed! www.himeyn-ingilaab.com has provided information on the real deal behind the carbon neutralization plan. Can you verify the accuracy please

Anonymous said...

these guys are jokers. why do we have to entertiun them and pay for thir antics. they bring corruption to the entire system.

Anonymous said...

we have to find a way to link payments with performance. perhaps the amount can be based on number of seats won in parliament. another way can be based on visible activities. this might lead to more demonstrations and strikes. so best is to pay based on parliament seats.

dreamxcape said...

tax payers money? what tax payers' money?!

Anonymous said...

couple of months back there was a audit report on one of these joker parties. was any action taken? did they recover the illegal money?

Anonymous said...

Those parties who don't contest, nor function as a political party must not be allocated state funds.

Anonymous said...

those parties which didn't take part in the elections must b ashamed of themselves. they should stop calling themsleves political parties. mauloood party or tea party is better for them.

moyameehaa said...

none of these parties have a political ideology either. no realistic vision or political agenda.i really dunno the answer for that question. atleast in maldives.i think maldivians like aping people..maybe this is the same shit again.its all about businessmen, egoistic need for attention and popularity.hate to say this but from what i see the only people with a plan and a purpose (good or bad)seems to be adhaalath party.and from political movements himeyningilaab.