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| Leaders of PPM giving a press conference. Photo by: One Online Website |
In
Maldives, the opposition always shouts out that the nation lacks democracy, transparency,
accountability of state institutions, equal economic opportunities, equal share
of country’s wealth, press freedom, freedom of assembly, human rights, and
freedom of speech. But not even once they highlight on the importance of having
a “responsible opposition” party alongside the government as part of the democracy. I
think the main problem in Maldives is not the so-called lack of democracy, but
the absence of a strong and responsible opposition party. Yes, Maldives lacks a
strong opposition party that is inspired by a political ideology which
practices democracy within its own institution.
With
President Solih taking the oath of Office, the nation lacks an opposition party
where its leaders are free from corruption and think only of the people’s
welfare, not their own personal interests. Only and only such an opposition can
encourage an elected government to be free from corruption, sustain democracy,
and help the ruling party live within the boundaries of rule of law. The
question may arise: What are the characteristics of a responsible opposition
party? An easy answer is: A responsible opposition questions the elected
government and hold them accountable to the public through the legal
instruments provided by the constitution of the nation. But I cannot agree on
the history and the unfolding activities of the current leaders of the
opposition PPM are under the line drawn by our constitution.
A lavish
life of its grassroot leaders and escaping punishment for acts of corruption
during its reign might be the definition of politics for the opposition PPM. Nevertheless,
giving party nominations in exchange for huge amounts of money before the
elections and making offensive remarks on President Solih and cabinet Ministers
by appearing in live media is not politics at all. Today, PPM has set a precedent
as a new venture in politics -- to consider shouting and insulting against the administration
as the new normal of local politics. Where the existence of the Opposition PPM is
itself in danger, it is the duty of the general supporters of the party to lead
their leaders out of this political threat.
Politics
for PPM has now become a platform for exchanging unnecessary war of words with ruling
MDP. Being an opposition party does not mean that the leaders of PPM get up in
the morning and insult the leaders and MPs of ruling MDP and the figures of the
coalition government. That is why people are no longer interested in dedicating
their time to the unorganized rallies and the immature politics by PPM. At
this time, to sustain democracy and make the government of Maldives
accountable, a strong well focused constructive opposition is crucial. For the
interest of the country and the sake of our democracy, a strong opposition responsible
political party is needed in Maldives. Unlike PPM. this opposition must be a responsible
political organization which can facilitate politics of values to the island
nation.
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