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.

The truth about Gasim’s philanthropy

With 700 students studying on Villa Scholarships and thousands of patients getting treated abroad, few would even think of denying Gasim Ibrahim's philanthropic credentials. His detractors have therefore concentrated on questioning his motives and casting aspersions on how he acquired wealth, slyly insinuating that he has some undisclosed obligations to spend on welfare.

One such insinuation revolves around the loans granted by International Finance Corporation (IFC) to Villa Shipping and Trade. A popular story alleges that Villa Foundation (which grants Villa Scholarships) is a precondition set by IFC for the loans. Let us examine this allegation in detail. IFC says its work is to provide investments and advisory services to build the private sector in developing countries. It operates commercially and grants loans at market-based interest rates up to a maximum of 25% of the project cost. Eligibility criteria for IFC loans do not include establishing national scholarship schemes. The detailed eligibility criteria merely require that a project must:

• Be located in a developing country that is a member of IFC;
• Be in the private sector;
• Be technically sound;
• Have good prospects of being profitable;
• Benefit the local economy; and
• Be environmentally and socially sound, satisfying IFC environmental and social standards as well as those of the host country.
  

Gasim is not the only Maldivian borrower from IFC, nor is he the biggest. According to information currently disclosed by IFC, it has granted a total of $ 74.5 million to the Maldives private sector. This includes $ 25 million to Universal Enterprises, $ 21 million to Villa, $ 20 million to Wataniya Maldives and $ 8.5 million to Taj Hotels. (see graph above.) These are all type A loans subject to the same terms and conditions.

A related insinuation is that the loan to Gasim was secured by a Government guarantee. Funnily enough, IFC regulations prohibit the organization from accepting government guarantees. IFC relies instead on the client company's proposal and track record. IFC "fully shares risks with its partners."

According to another widely circulated story, Gasim did not become rich but was made rich by Ilyas Ibrahim. The story says Gasim became rich through a petroleum monopoly served to him on a platter by STO, when Ilyas was running the company.

Gasim says, far from favoring him, the government has constantly put hurdles in his path. In an interview to TVM's Siyaasath program, Gasim revealed how the government willfully blocked him from bagging a dealership from Sri Lanka Petroleum Company. Gasim says STO also tried, though unsuccessfully, to block his dealership with Shell for importing Rotella and other petroleum products.

To put Gasim's revelations in perspective, one must recall that the backdrop for the alleged events was the 1980s, a period during which the government followed a policy of foreign exchange controls and restrictive import quotas. STO was involved in many dealership feuds with private companies during the period, one of the most celebrated of which was the one with DIK over the dealership of Benson and Hedges.

We may never know Gasim's true motives, if any, for his philanthropy. But one thing is certain. He was already the biggest individual spender on health and education long before there was any practical hope of standing for the presidency.

Munavvar’s selection a tactical move

Quoting reliable sources, the local media reports that Gasim Ibrahim has selected Dr. Mohammed Munavvar as his running mate. This appears to be a tactical move by Jumhooree Party to establish a base in the South, following the failure of talks with another Addu person, Dr. Ugail.

Selecting a running mate from Addu will be helpful to Gasim's bid for the presidency, not just because Addu is the most populous atoll. Addu people have a disproportionately high influence on Maldivian politics because of two reasons. First, they are more politically conscious than people of other atolls. Second, they are more connected to the internet compared to most other atolls, which enables committed activists among them to launch web-based campaigns.

Munavvar was formerly the President of MDP, a post he won in an election last year, in which he prevailed over Ibrahim Hussein Zaki. However, this year he lost the party presidential primaries to Mohammed Nasheed (Anni). When Jumhooree party was launched, he resigned from MDP and joined the new party.

What will Munavvar bring to Jumhooree party from Addu? Judging from his showing in the past two polls, he does have a core of loyal supporters in the atoll. However, in a four-way contest with MDP, DRP and Hassan Saeed, the share of votes Jumhooree Party actually gets may be somewhat less than what either Gasim or Munavvar expects.

Despite this, all in all, Munavvar is likely be positive at least in Addu for Jumhooree Party, which currently does not have sufficient party cadres in Addu to launch an effective campaign. With Munavvar's appointment the Party can immediately put to use his core supporters, an important consideration given the shortage of time left for the election.

At the national level, things are more difficult to predict. Unlike Dr. Ugail, Munavvar comes to Jumhooree Party with a heavy load of baggage, some of that positive and some negative. Only time will tell which way the load will tip.

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.
  

Rags to riches and finally Theemuge?

"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

In many a fairytale, the hero starts in humble beginnings and ends in riches… and of course a palace. But even the legendary narrator Hans Anderson will find it difficult to match the real life story of Gasim Ibrahim. The meteoric rise of the Maamigili boy from the job of a farm-help in an uninhabited island to the dizzy heights of his current position as the chairman of Villa Group will be a story that will continue to inspire generations of island boys.

If fortune changes men, then Gasim remains an illustrious exception to this rule. Despite his legendary wealth Gasim leads a fairly simple life and is arguably the most approachable tycoon in the Maldives. His humble days appear to be etched indelibly into his psyche.

"Those who say I have a selfish motive to become president are right: I want to deliver the things that people demand. I want the job to solve the difficulties people face today," Gasim told supporters during the official launching of his election campaign. Such a statement would normally be discarded as political hyperbole. But coming from Gasim Ibrahim, one must give it at least the benefit of doubt. After all, it has always been Gasim's lifelong mission to help people. Who has not heard of Villa scholarships and Villa welfare?

Gasim says his early days of suffering in Male implanted in him a strong desire to help people and improve their conditions. Here again one must give the benefit of doubt to Gasim that he may be telling the truth, because after all, the man has actually spent millions to help improve people's lives.

Some of Gasim's election promises appear to be extensions of the philanthropic work that he has been personally pursuing: the university and the hospitals. Along with this he also promised another welfare scheme –building 1000 flats a year in Hulhumale. This of course is a logistically impossible target, and it will be interesting to watch how Gasim deals with this promise if he gets elected.

Gasim's economic policies include a Mrf 1.5 billion fund to provide low interest loans, introduction of new taxes, establishing four economic zones, and oil exploration. While enhanced taxation will be crucial to implement Gasim's social programs, his ability to raise the level of taxation will remain questionable, given the composition of his core team, which includes some businessmen with doubtful reputations.

Only time will tell whether Gasim achieves his motive. With the election barely a month away, he is racing against time to establish sufficient party presence in the islands to put up a credible campaign. One thing is certain though. Anyone who knows Gasim will testify that the last thing on Gasim's mind is to occupy Theemuge and live like an Arab Sheikh.

Who is the real Gasim?

"If I were to ask for anyone's help other than Allah's, I swear I'd ask for yours," Gasim Ibrahim wrote to Gayoom from his Dhoonidhoo cell, while imprisoned there following the August 12-13 incident of 2004.

"The Maldivian people know who fights for their rights and who doesn't," Gasim Ibrahim thundered to his supporters during his party's congress on 22 August 2008.

Was it the same Gasim who made these two statements, and if not which is the real Gasim? Fortune does not change men; it unmasks them. But sometimes people carry to such perfection the mask they have assumed that in due course they actually become the person they seem. So, has Gasim become the mask he wore?

Gasim's privately owned Villa Foundation awards about 150 scholarships to young Maldivians to pursue higher studies each year. Scholars are selected to the scheme on purely objective criteria, with no influence whosoever exercised by the Chairman. More than a 1000 students have benefited from this scheme so far. Gasim's welfare scheme has funded medical treatment abroad for 1000s of poor Maldivians. Most of them have never met Gasim. Was this a truly 'free lunch"?

These two philanthropic schemes rival, or perhaps even exceed, the corresponding Government schemes. Thus Gasim stands out as the philanthropist par excellence. Is this the real Gasim?

With his sponsorship of the 2001 petition signed by 40 intellectuals, Gasim is widely credited for the birth of the party system in the Maldives. He is rumored to be funding most opposition parties in the Maldives including MDP, IDP and Adaalath. On the other hand, he is also rumored to have funded the defection of prominent opposition MPs to DRP. Which of these roles, if any, did the real Gasim play? It's said that for some people there is more to life than just having everything. Is this true for Gasim?

Gasim is also widely credited to have led the constitutional amendment process to a successful conclusion. However, it is also alleged that the finally passed draft had many inconsistencies that Gasim could not prevent. In the process of removing these inconsistencies, it is also alleged he colluded with Ibra and AG Azima to introduce into the draft phrases and clauses never passed by the Majlis. What is the truth here?

As finance minister from mid 2005 to mid 2008, Gasim presided over the biggest budget fiasco in the history of Maldives, which diverted the country's fiscal course irreversibly towards bankruptcy. Did the budget fail because the trade minister and others failed to materialize the mega projects on which the budget depended, as Gasim alleges? Or did it fail because Gasim set rashly impractical targets and gambled with the country's economy?

Gasim's Villa Group currently owns about 15 % of all tourist beds in the country. The figure could even double when resorts currently under development are opened. With massive investments at Keekimini and Maandhoo, Gasim has a controlling interest in the fisheries industry. He also has similar controlling interests in the petroleum and LPG distribution industries. With investments in nearly all types of enterprises in the Maldives, Gasim is the capitalist par excellence. Is this the real face of Gasim?

In Senate confirmation hearings for constitutional posts in the United States, candidates are asked questions designed to bring out their attitudes and ideologies. The underlying belief is that people continue to hold and practice their old beliefs and ideologies in their new jobs, like the proverbial leopard, which does not change its spots. From Gasim's past actions can we predict what sort of president he would become?

Will he be a business friendly capitalist, or a pro-poor socialist with enough courage to introduce heavy taxation to fund social services? In other words, can he run with the hares while hunting with the hounds? Will he become the Lee Kuan Yu of Maldives running a clean administration or will he become the King Fahd of Maldives running a regime of favoritism? Will he become the selfless Mandela of Maldives or the monopolist Stanley Ho (the business tycoon who practically owns Macao) of Maldives? There are telltale clues in Gasim's track record to answer these questions with reasonable accuracy.

For 30 years Maldivians depended on the noblesse of a holy man to build their security. History tells us the outcome. For the next 10 years can they depend on the magnanimity of a philanthropist to build their security? Maldivians can choose their leader; destiny will choose the consequences.

["Destiny is a name often given in retrospect to choices that had dramatic consequences," – J. K. Rowling in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone ]