After some trivialities that marred the presidential elections in Maldives two months ago, the people of Maldives finally cast their votes on Saturday. On a last effort to carry out the polling time on schedule, the candidates agreed this week and signed the voters’ list required by court so the election could take place.
Conflict on voters’ list
The presidential election is an important exercise for Maldivians, as it serves as a form of validation for the country’s developing democracy. Many Maldivians previously demonstrated their disappointments on the political misunderstandings among the presidential aspirants.
There were two attempts to hold the election since September but questions on the voters’ list produced by the Elections Commission blocked the procedure. The misunderstanding on the issue left the Maldivian electorate disunited and their budding democracy put to test. The present poll turned out with less voters compared to the first exercise two months ago. There are 240,000 qualified voters in Maldives.
Release of results
As soon as the polling places closed, election officials got ready to count the votes in hope of releasing the results the soonest possible time. If no candidate gets at least 50% of the votes, another election will be conducted on Sunday, as mandated in the constitution. By Monday, Mohamed Waheed, current president, will have to step down from his post, as it is the last day of his term.
Presidential aspirants
The presidential aspirants include Mohamed Nasheed former president of Maldives who resigned last year under controversial circumstances. He is opposed by Yaamin Abdul Gayoom, brother of the former dictator Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, and Qasim Ibrahim, a contender who filed a court petition against the September election. Among the candidates, Mohameed Nasheed is widely favored by the people.
Nasheed administration
Resigned president Nasheed who is reclaiming the presidency in the present election came to govern Maldives in 2008, putting an end to the autocratic government that ruled the country for 30 years. Nasheed resigned in the middle of his term due to public protests and declining military and police support after he ordered a senior judge to be arrested. His political rivals also blamed him for bypassing the Islam religion by being friendly with Israel and Western countries.
Pro-Nasheed camps allege that the government and judiciary are trying to control the election proceeding. They have apprehensions that the former president may not be able to recapture power.
Religious issues
Under the Maldives’ constitution, Islam must be the predominant faith in the country. Religious issues were emphasized in the campaign, putting Nasheed under the question of his being too liberal. Some voters expressed their thoughts on Saturday’s election and a number of them mentioned Islam religion to be one of the factors that affected their selection. Mohamed Ibrahim, a carpenter, said that he picked a candidate who promises to promote Islamic faith and values. Nonetheless, he said that he hopes Islam religion will remain to be the principal religion regardless of who wins in the presidential election.
Fake names in voters’ list
The major issue that twice affected the first scheduled presidential election in September was about the voters’ list. The Supreme Court annulled the September 7 election results, although it was generally democratic and just, because it found fake names of non-existent and dead people. The second election was halted by the police due to the failure of all candidates to approve the voters’ list as required by the Supreme Court.
Photo Credit: Muliaage presidential residence of Maldives
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