If all the opposition unites Anni will win

By Mohamed Naahii (Engineering student in Sri Lanka)

If all the opposition unites there is a very high chance Gayoom will not win. Here are the main reasons why I believe Anni (Mohamed Nasheed) would get more support and win.

• It is now expected that the opposition would garner more and more support because Anni has said all the capable opposition leaders such as Hassan Saeed and Gasim Ibrahim would be in his government. This would definitely boost his support because there are people who support Gasim, Hassan and Ibra, who would surely give a thumbs up for Anni as they would like to see their candidates in top posts of the government, eventually benefitting the whole country. We could now imagine a dream team consisting of former Finance Minister Gasim, Dr. Hassan Saeed, Dr. Shaheed, Mr. Ibrahim Ismail, Dr. Musthafa Luthfee, Dr Jameel and other capable opposition leaders if Anni wins. These leaders have high popularity amongst the people.
  

• We can even see Anni's proposal for an MDP led alliance also has come true. Though many have forgotten what happened to the National Unity Alliance, Anni has been campaigning with the label 'an MDP led Alliance' since MDP Primary elections. This would be a factor that would gain him more support. Remember that Maldivians are known to always look at the words of politicians and see how true those words become in the end. This would be a clear indication for them to realize that Anni is living up to his words.
  

• Also Dr. Hassan himself has said he would personally work to gain support for Anni. We shouldn't forget that he has been a very strong influence in the election (obviously winning 17% in the election proves this). Because of this his loyal support and backing to Anni plus Anni's idea of including Dr. Hassan's team in his government is a very tactical formula, which would definitely bring a positive impact on the run off, especially in Addu atoll. Though there maybe people who would change their minds, their numbers would be less than those who would follow Dr. Hassan to support Anni.
  

• There are a so many people who want a change, so many people who want to see another leader. There are plenty of Maldivian people who want this regime to end. They would definitely opt for Anni as he is the only choice and their belief in change would even be strengthened because of the alliance of opposition candidates. Like Waheed has said in his blog post, there will be people who would change their minds because of the uniting of the leaders.
  

• Also ongoing rumors would definitely have an impact on the way of thinking of the people. Technically these rumors – such as two vice presidents of DRP joining opposition – basically would be more advantageous to the opposition than Gayoom. Unless Gayoom clearly proves to the people these rumors are false, it would be an advantage for the opposition.
  

Due to these very important 5 factors that came to my mind after personally doing a small analysis, here is my bet. A bundle of sticks would be stronger than one individual stick. What I am trying to say is that if all the opposition unites at this stage, Anni will definitely win. If not, just forget it. Gayoom is setting a historical record of 35 years of rule in the Maldive Islands.

[Note: This article was submitted by Mohamed Naahii, an Engineering student in Sri Lanka, and so the contents are his intellectual property. This blog will consider for publication articles that are constructive, avoid obscene language and do not needlessly launch personal attacks on individuals or communities. Authors of controversial articles are requested to identify themselves or at least open a line of communication for readers to use.]

‘Beg Your Pardon’ –a selection of political quotes

"We are navigating a dangerous ocean, and getting wrecked on each reef –drugs, religious divisions, housing shortages, basic services like jetties, crime." –Umar Naseer on TVM's Riyaasee Suvaalu program on 3 September 2008 explaining why he is contesting the presidential election

"I will strengthen the steps already being carried out, and will work to solve this in the next five years." –President Gayoom on TVM's Riyaasee Suvaalu program on 3 September 2008 explaining how he will fulfill his promise on drugs.

"As you know there will be occasions in a country's life. Every country faces moments, moments that change the country's situation from one state to another. I am certain what is being played out tonight is one of those moments." –Anni speaking on TVM's Riyaasee Suvaalu program on 3 September 2008

"No mother or father has the certainty their child will be able to return after they go to the shop next door." –Dr. Hassan Saeed on TVM's Riyaasee Suvaalu program on 3 September 2008

"I believe the state of the country has come to this because rule of law has not been established in the country, people have been discriminated against at various levels before the law, and the system has been shaped to provide national opportunities to different people in different ways." –Ibra on TVM's Riyaasee Suvaalu program on 3 September 2008

"I came to Male' from my island for education. I was unable to get a proper education and I do not want others to be deprived of a proper education. That is why I do my part in contributing to the society." –Gasim Ibrahim speaking at a party rally on 11 September 2008

"What is a weapon? I did not use any sharp weapon. No pistol, knife, gun, cutter, nothing. I always had a pen in my pocket. That is the weapon." –President Gayoom on TVM's Siyaasath program on 16 September 2008, responding to the question whether he was in possession of anything that could be considered a weapon when he took the oath in 1978

"The solution is Umar." –Umar Naseer's campaign slogan

"The coming presidential elections will be the most fair and free election ever in the entire South Asia region." –Anni speaking to Colombo based diplomats on 29 September 2008

"Convince me and I will believe." –Entry in Ibra's official website

"Those who say I have a selfish motive to become president are right: I want the job to solve the difficulties people face today." –Gasim Ibrahim speaking at the official launching of his campaign, responding to allegations that he was selfish

"A new future for Maldivians; a new leader for the Maldives." –Dr. Hassan Saeed's campaign slogan.

Who can lead the Maldives for a better tomorrow?

By Mohamed A. (A Maldivian student abroad)

Dr. Hassan and Dr. Shaheed cannot rule the Maldives for the people, because they were once part of a corrupt regime. They inherited that philosophy. They left the government and formed a group because they were opportunists who wanted to get power badly by hook or crook. They are taking credit for a reform movement initiated by Anni with support from the people who are against the dictatorial rule of Maumoon.

Maumoon is talking about taking Maldives to new heights. He ruined the Maldives for the last 30 yrs. He never wanted Maldivians to progress; and to prevent this he gave a blind eye to the drug mafia actively destroying each and every household in the Maldives. This is his way of staying in power.

The development that took place in the Maldives was only foreign aid. Most of the schools were constructed with Japanese aid, Social Center with Japanese aid, and Regional hospitals with foreign aid. Now he is planning to make a deal on Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital with a Singapore firm. How can he improve medical services without spending on medical education and training doctors? Last 20 years there were many school leavers who wanted to become doctors. But he did nothing for them. Because of his education and development policy Maldives lacks skilled persons in every field. People were made to work like bonded laborers where they cannot make the ends meet with the salary. Those who could steal the public money they stole to make the ends meet.

There is nothing in Maldives that people are happy about. The country has become a hell to live and raise a family.

I am a student studying abroad. The last Republic day I was in Maldives and viewed a programme telecast by TV Maldives. The programme was produced on the basis of some research done on former president the late Mohamed Amin Didi by Maldives Historical Research Center. The programme was based on an article written by Mohamed Amin on his vision for the Maldives.

After viewing the programme I believe that the father of modern democracy in the Maldives is President Mohamed Amin. In his vision he planned to introduce modern education to Maldives, give education and rights to women. He also planned to provide college education in the Maldives. And also he mentioned in his vision to introduce party system politics to Maldives. He completed 20% of the work he mentioned in the vision within the first year of his rule.

After viewing this programme I now believe the presidents that the Maldivians got after late President Amin Didi, especially Maumoon, are none but only dictators.

During my holiday in Male' I also visited some of my friends. Most of them live in one room homes. Most of the families living in Male' have to live and sleep in only one room with grown up boys and girls. Most of them have gone to drugs. There is no life for them. The little income these families earn goes to drugs.

The Islamic scholars now enter politics and confuse the public regarding religion. One day they say Maumoon is not a Muslim of Sunni sect and the other day they go to court. These Islamic scholars, don't they have anything better to do instead of mixing religion and politics? It looks like everyone is hungry to become president.

The country needs people like Anni who have the strength to face the dictator, who have the courage to challenge the dictator's regime and who can lead the Maldives for a better tomorrow. The country will change for the better if he is elected to lead the Maldives for the next 5yrs.

[Note: This article was submitted by a student, Mohamed A., and so the contents are his responsibility. This blog will consider for publication articles that are constructive, avoid obscene language and do not needlessly launch personal attacks on individuals or communities.]

Whose agenda is it anyway?

“Nobody can give you freedom. Nobody can give you equality or justice or anything. If you're a man, you take it.” –Malcolm X (1925 - 1965)

"The reform agenda is mine," President Gayoom pronounced to his rivals on TVM's Riyasee Suvaalu program. Technically speaking, if he was merely referring to the "Reform Agenda" he announced on 9 June 2004, he would be right. But if he was referring to the whole reform movement that is in motion since 2003, that's a different story altogether.

Probably even Gayoom himself wouldn't go so far as to claim the entire reform movement as his own. Had that been the case ironically there would have been no need to announce the 'Reform Agenda' in 2004, as the agenda would then have started and progressed incrementally since 1978. So obviously there were others besides him who triggered the movement that culminated in the ratification of the Constitution on August 7. Who were they and what were their roles?

First wave of reform

With fresh faces elected to the Majlis in 1989, including Dr. Waheed, Gogo Latheef and Modi, new ideas took the Majlis by storm. Press freedom reached new heights simultaneously with the launching of three political magazines. The new found freedom was short lived, however. With the help of the infamous Bimbi Force, the movement was crushed and reformist MPs were evicted from the Majlis.

Mohamed Shafeeg (Editor) and Mohamed Nasheed (Anni) of 'Sangu' were charged and sentenced. So were the writers of Hukuru: Mohamed Saeed Moosa Wajdee, Mohamed Jaleel, Ahmed Waheed Ali, and Ahmed Fayaz Hassan.

Second wave

The second wave of reform started in the late 90s during the debates on Vision 2020. These debates marked a watershed in the reform process because it was the first time participants could openly criticize government policies in an official setting. This wave reached its climax in 2001 when a group of 43 intellectuals and professionals submitted a proposal for registering a political party. The group included names like Rado Zahir, Mujthaba, Qasim, Anni, Suood, Hathifushi Shakir, Hassan Afeef, Naushad Waheed, Alia Ali Abdulla, Ilyas Hussein, Maizan Hassan Maniku, Ahmed Muiz, Husna Razee, Abdullah Zameer, Zahiya Zareer, Mahmood Razi and Ali Faiz among others. The movement reached a dead end when the government on the advice of Attorney General Munavvar decided that the Constitution was not compatible with political parties.

Some significant events of the period included:

• The arrest and sentencing of Male MP Mohammed Nasheed on dubious charges;
  


• The launching of the internet magazine Sandhaanu and the ultimate arrest of Nazaki Zaki and Ibrahim Lutfee who ran the magazine.
  

Third Wave

Without any doubt the third and current wave of reform was heralded by the death of Evan Naseem in Maafushi prison in September 2003 and the shootings that followed. The massive outcry and the spontaneous demonstrations on the streets of Male changed the Maldives forever. Unlike its predecessors, the third wave of reform could not be stopped because of reasons including the following:

• The role of Mohammed Nasheed (Anni)'s charismatic leadership and unwavering commitment in mobilizing the young generation as agents of change;
  


• Successful formation of a political party, MDP, by a group of reformists spearheaded by Anni and Gogo Latheef;
  


• The effectiveness of Ahmed Shafeeq (Sappe)'s Dhivehi-Observer in communicating anti Gayoom messages to a broad Maldivian audience, thereby denting his media created image;
  


• Ibrahim Hussein Zaki, Latheef and Anni's success in bringing the reform movement to the attention of the international community, and the resulting pressure from that quarter;
  


• President Gayoom's launching of the 9^th June Reform Agenda, which put pressure on the government to stick to its timeline;
  


• The New Maldives movement, which brought reforms from within the government including Hassan Saeed's landmark ruling on political parties and accession to major international human rights conventions;
  


• Male Member Ibrahim Ismail's role in incorporating principles of liberal democracy into the draft Constitution;
  


• The effectiveness of opposition MPs including Afeef, Ibra, Reeko Moosa, Monaza Naeem, Suood, Ali Waheed, Sanco Shareef and others in articulating reforms on the Majlis floor;
  


• Qasim Ibrahim's leadership in steering the work of the Special Majlis to a fruitful conclusion;
  


• The willingness of the DRP majority in the Majlis to pass the reforms;
  


• Information Minister Nasheed's role in introducing a degree of media freedom;
  


• And above all, the resolve of ordinary Maldivians who within just five short years have become the most politically mature people in South Asia.
  

Author's note: In any list of honors, certain names inadvertently get left out. So let me apologize to them in advance. Let me also acknowledge the large number of people who wrote personal letters to President Gayoom urging him to launch reforms long before people poured out onto the streets and set the juggernaut rolling, letters that would haunt him as constant reminders of what could have been.

Is Hassan’s unity government the way forward?

Presidential candidate Dr. Hassan Saeed has said he plans to establish a national unity government if he wins the election scheduled for 8^th October. The only independent candidate in the fray, Dr. Hassan made this momentous proposal during the official launching of his presidential manifesto at Artificial Beach Wednesday night. What are the pros and cons of this extraordinary overture?

The timing of this proposal is significant, coming as it were at a time when many people believe Hassan is in the top two in the electoral race. It signifies a shift in thinking from the election to its aftermath.

Hassan believes that a government controlled by one party is not the best option for the country at this point in time, when the country faces massive challenges that require the cooperation of one and all. Hassan has a point here. Take the drug problem for example. It is an open secret that political parties cutting across the entire spectrum have connections with drug dealers and addicts, which is the main reason why the problem has defied all solutions. This scenario is likely to continue even after the elections as long as the bitter political divisions in the society continue.

Whoever wins the election, be it Anni or Hassan or even Gayoom, the margin of victory is likely to be small. In such a situation, any government that is limited to the winning party would appear fragile and will be the target of destabilizing attacks from the opposition, particularly with the Majlis election coming up. Hassan's proposal is aimed to avoid the resulting chaos.

Dr. Hassan's proposal has come up for immediate criticism from his main rival Anni of Maldivian Democratic Party. Anni believes that a multiparty system is the only system that can effectively govern the country and bring the reforms expected by the people. He believes that a unity government will disintegrate into a dictatorship.

Examples of unity governments are rare in the world. Israel is the only established democracy that has had unity governments in the post World War II period. In that country the experiment has been successful. In Lebanon too, unity governments have been successful in keeping a modicum of stability in the bitterly divided country. In third world countries, most experiments at forming national unity governments have either failed or misfired as in Iraq.

Before one decides to discard the multiparty environment in favor of a unity government, there is an inescapable fact one must consider: All the freedoms that we enjoy today are the direct result of the party system.

Housing policies of 3 leading candidates

"Poorly planned urban neighborhoods are associated with petty crimes such as graffiti and vandalism", Patricia Brantingham writes in Harvard Internal Review. It's not just petty crime that happens in Male neighborhoods, but serious crimes like knifing and drug trafficking. Bad as this may be, crime is not the top problem for most Male citizens. It's housing shortage. Let us see what three leading candidates, Anni, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and Hassan Saeed, offer them in their respective manifestos.

In reviewing these promises one must consider each candidate's understanding of the issue, what solutions he offers and how feasible they are. In considering economic feasibility one must keep in mind that the total revenue generated by the Government in 2008 is expected to be about $800 million. Against this, the proposal to build 7000 to 8000 flats will cost about $600 million at current rates. The bridge to Hulhumale is expected to cost at least $ 250 million. Developing an additional Hulhumale like city is expected to cost about $ 500 million. Considering such figures, an anonymous visitor to this blog left a comment saying, "some of the promises are so outrageous that a 10 year old kid will not believe them!"

Here are the salient features of the housing and urban development pledges of the three leading candidates:

How they see the Problem:

• Anni believes that the housing crisis is the result of the government's failed atoll development policies, which led to in-migration towards Male. Wasting $ 50 million on Hulhumale, the government has failed to find a solution to the congestion in Male Anni says. Due to lack of an effective policy or regulatory framework there is no access to an affordable real estate market.
  
• Hassan Saeed believes that the key issues are increasing rents and shortage of housing, which is aggravated by unfair regulations in the allotment of flats. The housing problem is accompanied by Lack of basic services, environmental vulnerability and division of the population.
  
• Gayoom believes that the housing problem is the result of population increase and in-migration to Male.
  
• All three candidates acknowledge that it is a serious issue that tsunami victims have not been provided housing even after 4 years.
  

Population consolidation

• Gayoom promises to build 7500 flats (1500 per year) in Hulhumale and build a bridge to connect it with Male. In the meanwhile Male will be re-developed and two alternative cities will be developed with flats and facilities similar to Hulhumale. Land reclamation will be undertaken in selected islands.
• Hassan Saeed promises to build 4 cities like Male, with the provision of 5000 – 8000 flats in those cities.
  
• Anni does not promise to build cities. Instead he will take long term measures to develop the atolls and provide housing, employment opportunities and other basic services, so that the atoll population will have no need to migrate to Male. A land use plan will be developed for each inhabited island.
  

Real estate business

• Gayoom promises to encourage the development of real estate business in the private sector, with long-term financing. He will strengthen/develop housing regulations.
  
• Hassan promises to stop making profits from essential services like housing. He will draft fair regulations on housing.
  
• Anni promises to facilitate the development of housing in the private sector by providing building material in the islands, facilitating loans, and developing regulations.
  

Tsunami housing

• Anni and Gayoom promise to compete tsunami housing in one year.
  
• Hassan Saeed promises to complete tsunami housing within a definite time
  

Social housing

• All three candidates promise long term loans and subsidized housing for the vulnerable groups.
  

Know your candidates (2): Hassan Saeed

During recent history few people have dominated the affairs of the Maldivian government to the extent Dr. Hassan Saeed did during his brief stint as Attorney General –certainly not anyone with his humble background. When Hassan joined the cabinet in 2003, he was basically an island boy with no family connections and little experience in Maldivian politics. But within two years, he became the most powerful man in the cabinet, outsmarting both Kaamineege and Endherimaage camps, beating them at their own game.

Hassan resigned from the Cabinet rather abruptly in August 2007, and soon announced his intention to stand for the presidential elections. Thus he is one of the first to announce his candidacy and the first to release a comprehensive manifesto. Let us examine his strengths and weaknesses.

Hassan Saeed’s achievements so far:

• Became Attorney General in 2003 (he has since resigned from this post);


• Gave the landmark legal advice that led to the formation of political parties;


• Launched and implemented the Criminal Justice Action Plan;


• Became Vice President of DRP (he has since resigned from this post);


• Made a name for himself among the Maldivian people.
  
  Strengths:


• Educated in both Islamic and western systems, holding a PhD in law;


• Has charisma according to many, and fits the mental image most Maldivians have of the archetypical president;


• Has administrative and political acumen, the skills that enabled him to become the focal point of the government's reform agenda;


• Has energy and is action-oriented.
  
  Weaknesses:


• Played a dubious role when in government, particularly in the prosecution of opposition leaders;


• Introduced controversial practices such as sentencing in absentia;


• Has been prone to taking rash decisions.
  
  Highlights of the agenda:


• Establishing 4 tertiary hospitals across the archipelago and providing emergency medical evacuation by air and sea;


• Providing health insurance to all, giving special attention to socially and economically vulnerable groups;


• Taking strict legal action against drug traffickers;


• Improving locally available education by establishing international schools and universities and facilitating studies abroad through 500 full and 1000 partial scholarships each year;


• Promoting fish exports and protecting the exclusive economic zone of Maldives;


• Attracting foreign investment by promoting confidence in the Maldives;


• Promoting middle and small businesses, job creation and job training;


• Promoting good governance through, establishing island councils, reducing wasteful expenditure, upholding the law, electoral reforms, and press freedom;


• Providing basic services like water, sanitation, housing, electricity and transport by establishing 4 cities;


• Improving law and order through developing a professional police force and training the judiciary.

Who won the Riyaasee Suvaalu?

Six presidential hopefuls locked their horns in the first round of their debate, "Riyaasee Suvaalu", last night on TVM. The debate was full of sound and fury, but did it signify anything?

Answering the three standard questions put to each candidate, incumbent President Gayoom justified his track record since assumption of power in 1978. Quoting figures, he said the progress Maldives made in the three decades is a world record. Gayoom however reacted sharply to criticism of his track record by other candidates.

Anni appeared to be the most relaxed and composed among the candidates. He promised clean government and offered solutions to urgent problems facing the people, such as housing and the rising cost of living.

Gasim offered to solve the problems faced by the people, in areas such as health and education. In order to raise the money needed for social services he proposed introducing new taxes. He said he has the experience and the ability to continue the reform agenda.

Though a bit tense, Hassan Saeed was quite eloquent in introducing his agenda. His main thrust was on reducing wasteful expenditure, law and order and improving tourism related infrastructure and support services.

While Ibra stressed rule of law, Umar Naseer based his agenda on drug control and private sector development.

In general all candidates performed credibly. The following are the salient points made by each of them to help readers make their own judgments as to who won the debate.

Gayoom

• I am very happy to be here to see this day. It has been my dream to see a multi-party democratic election in the Maldives.
  
• When I came in 1978, the country faced a food shortage, and it was poor. Health centers and schools were few. Now these areas have improved vastly.
  
• I launched a reform agenda in 2004. Many of the reforms have been achieved; but there is unfinished agenda.
  
• While the economy has also progressed, it faces new challenges. Only someone with experience can face these challenges –someone who has the trust of international institutions.
  
• My promises are based on reality and thus feasible.
  
• I will strengthen drug control by establishing a special anti-narcotics force. Borders will be sealed against drug smuggling and harsh punishment will be given to drug traffickers. I will expand existing capacity for drug rehabilitation by establishing 2 additional centers with 500 capacity.
  
• I will reduce the crime rate and enable people to live safe happy lives.
  
• I will build 1500 flats in Hulhumale each year. In addition to this, 2 urban centers will be developed in the north and south of the country.
  
• This forum is not for talking about the past, but for presenting future plans. We must also accept the reality. The reform agenda is mine. For health care, people don't have to beg as some others are saying. It is done through government budget. Contrary to what others are saying laws have also been made.
  
• Through my reform agenda a new Constitution has been adopted, with separation of powers and full rights for the people.
  
• In the tourism sector 64 new islands are being developed and during 2010 we will achieve 1,000,000 tourist arrivals.
  
• In the area of fisheries, investments have been made and large fishing vessels have been built. This will be continued.
  
• We must accept reality. Already hospitals and schools exist. I also have a plan for population consolidation along with the development of safe islands.
  
• The government does not need do everything. I will empower the people so that they can solve many of their problems.
  
• A health insurance scheme has already been launched and will be further expanded.
  
• All preparations for establishing a university have already been made and what is remaining is the passing of the necessary legislation.
  
• We must also accept the reality that we can't provide equal services to people living in different places.
  
• We have made much progress in the last 30 years with reduction in infant mortality and increase in life expectancy.
  
• Tourism has expanded from 1300 arrivals to 700,000 and GDP increased from $300 to $ 2,900. These did not just happen. It was planned. That progress is a world record that cannot be broken.
  
• All problems we face today are the result of the progress we have made so far. We need to solve these problems.
  
• To do this we need taxation and above all a conducive political atmosphere.
  
• I will build a bridge to Hulhumale. It will solve most problems faced by Male people.
  

Hassan Saeed

• We face many challenges. The People have to beg for health care. There is no safe water in 195 of the inhabited islands. One in three children goes into drug addiction. Only a 100 of those who sit for O level exams get government funds to study abroad. There is no safety on the roads.
  
• If I am elected I can solve these problems.
  
• Strict punishment is needed to control drugs.
  
• The current government has 44 members of the president's family in strong positions in the government. In my government there will be no members of my family.
  
• Before the elections I will present a schedule for implementing my agenda, including a plan for raising the money needed.
  
• If I am elected I will ensure that atoll chiefs and island chiefs are elected by the people to run their affairs.
  
• I will also ensure equitable distribution of wealth and reduce wasteful expenditure such as that on the Presidential Palace.
  
• The economy will be diversified and fisheries in the EEZ will be brought back to Maldivians. All licenses given to foreigners will be canceled. The seas will be patrolled to control poaching.
  
• Aquaculture will be introduced to diversify fisheries.
  
• While we rely on tourism, our airport is in a pitiable condition and we have no airline. Wealthy tourists do not get business class and first class seats to come to Maldives. I will develop the airport and establish an airline. Duty free shopping will be expanded.
  
• A world class hotel school will be established to train Maldivians for the sector.
  
• I will also diversify tourism by introducing health tourism and retirement homes. I will also change the current situation where only 6 families control tourism sector. Opportunities will be given to new investors to enter tourism. Soft loans will be provided for investment.
  
• I will provide a retirement scheme for resort workers on par with government employees. An investment scheme will be introduced for fisherman.
  
• This is a golden opportunity for the people to change things. They must use the chance wisely. People who offer to buy votes are admitting they are incapable. Those who sell votes are compromising their integrity, and their children will question them in the future.
  
• We respect old people. But it's not old players like Kuda Moosa who brought us the cup. But young players like Ashfag.
  

Gasim

• I want to become president to do things the people want. It requires hard work by capable men. We also need to accelerate the pace of development.
  
• The 1998 constitution also included rights. But people did not get those rights because the necessary laws were not made.
  
• Only someone involved in the process of constitution reform can ensure that the required laws are passed.
  
• I will develop 5 urban centers, with each center having a good hospital, so that citizens do not have to travel abroad for treatment.
  
• If I am elected I can do it; I have the experience and the knowhow to raise the required funds.
  
• I can also solve the drug issue faced by the country.
  
• I will introduce GST tax on tourism in order to raise the funds needed for social services like health and education. Thus every citizen will get the benefits of development.
  
• I will bring control of EEZ fisheries to Maldivians and ban harmful practices like the use of nets.
  
• I will establish an investment bank to provide soft loans. Taxes on loans will be reduced.
  
• Air transport will be provided to all atolls and a sea transport network will connect all islands.
  
• I am sure the people will vote differently this time to elect a responsible layer.
  
• I came to politics to change things. Everyone knows that for the first three years of Special Majlis not a single word was written in the constitution. But it has now been completed.
  
• All this was made possible because of sacrifices by many people.
  
• Everybody knows the situation that existed before 7th august, and what needs to be done to consolidate the gains. Only a someone with experience can do it.
  

Anni

• This is a rare moment in time, an opportunity for change. We have made a lot of sacrifices to reach it.
  
• Multiparty democracy is essential for clean government.
  
• Our past experience is that rich businessmen have always tried to influence the government to their advantage.
  
• We have listened to the people and conducted surveys to identify people's concerns.
  
• One of the main concerns is the increasing cost of living. We promise we will keep prices within reach of ordinary people.
  
• Housing is another problem especially in Male, with 1 in 5 families living in one room. We will provide soft loans for housing.
  
• We will develop a transport system to connect all islands and facilitate business.
  
• We will control drugs and provide rehabilitation of prisoners.
  
• We shall reduce wasteful government expenditure that prevents people from getting the benefits of development.
  
• Monopolies are preventing fisherman from getting the full international price for their products. We will ensure that fisherman get their rightful dues.
  
• I believe that the tourism sector is moving in the right direction. I will provide protection to those who work in the sector.
  
• Services do not reach the people not because the country is large, but because there is no transport system. We shall establish a transport network. We shall also establish health insurance so that health care is within the reach of the people.
  
• In order to implement our programs we will raise the needed funds, establish the necessary infrastructure and train human resources.
  
• We are moving towards another Maldives. We all know how we are here. The old system is changing and old people are changing their ways. Barriers are coming down.
  
• We call on the people not to sell their votes or bow down to pressure. It's a fair election that the people want.
  

Ibra

• In 2004 people came out in protest because they knew there was no other way to get their rights. This has been historically so. The Constitutional reform was necessary because without it people would not get their rights.
  
• There is no rule of law in the country and a sincere person is needed to bring the rights in the reformed constitution to the people.
  
• I am not making too many promises. My main promise is to establish the rule of law, and it can be done soon.
  
• Once rule of law is established, people can progress on their own.
  
• I will provide quality pre-school education free of cost.
  
• I shall bring the drug situation under reasonable control within 2 years. Drugs are out of control because there is no rule of law.
  
• Health care and other social services can be provided to all, once we reduce wasteful government expenditure.
  
• I shall increase taxation to raise the money needed to bring the benefits of development to the people, and distribute wealth equitably.
  
• I will ensure that sincere people who do honest work are rewarded, not just party members.
  
• Banks play a crucial role in development, though hidden. I shall ensure soft loans are available to small and medium businesses.
  
• In the area of fisheries, foreigners will be excluded. The sector will be developed through encouraging the private sector. The government role will be to maintain quality control.
  
• There is no system to distribute wealth, and rich people are monopolizing businesses. I will introduce an Anti-trust law to address this.
  
• The election will change the future direction of the country and the people must keep this in mind. They will see the results of their vote for the next 5 years.
  
• The people have seen how those who have been entrusted responsibilities have performed. They know who delivered results and who made excuses. People beyond 40 years don't change their characters.
  
• I am not interested to come to power through just any means. I have a vision. Those who share that vision please vote for me.
  

Umar Naseer

• We are currently navigating a dangerous ocean, and getting wrecked in each reef –drugs, religious divisions, housing shortages, basic services like jetties, crime.
  
• Teachers have no control over students, parents have no control over children, and the government has no control over citizens.
  
• I also could have ignored these issues; but my patriotism has forced me to come and tackle the issues. I will not budge from my responsibilities.
  
• I am willing to sacrifice my life for the nation and I am also prepared to take lives for the nation, should the need arise.
  
• I will bring people to the religion and introduce the Sharia law.
  
• In 10 years I will reverse the drug situation. I will do this through implementing death sentences for traffickers and confiscating their property.
  
• I shall relocate people living in islands with less than 400 population in the first 5 years and those living in islands with less than 700 in the second 5 years. I shall develop 4 cities in different parts of the country.
  
• I will establish local government in 5 areas of the country, governed by elected mayors and atoll chiefs.
  
• In my government, economic government will be through the free market and open competition for the private sector. Soft loans will be provided.
  
• In the area of fisheries, subsidiary industries will be developed. Aquaculture will be extensively developed.
  
• Health insurance will be provided to all citizens.
  
• Tourism will be developed through public companies with shares sold to the public.
  
• The people get the responsibility to vote once in 5 years. The vote is not a prize or a medal to be given to someone for past services. Nor is it for sale to someone with money.