29 SEPTEMBER 2008 (MONDAY)
1630: DhiTV, Afternoon Press Brief - Maumoon 2008 Campaign Media.
2015: TVM, Siyaasee Fendaa - DRP Presidential candidate H.E. Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
MIFCO’s role in the development of the fishing industry to be expanded - Dr. Fathin Hameed
MALE, Maldives – The Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture, Dr. Fathin Hameed said in an interview today that the DRP government will, in the next 5 years, expand the role of the state-run Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company Limited (MIFCO) in the fishing industry, and ensure that fishers benefit from the business.
She further stated that the DRP will provide more avenues of development to fishermen and private investments in the fishing industry. Dr. Hameed also gave assurances that under the DRP’s administration, the Government will end the monopoly of the fishing industry by certain few individuals and ensure that Maldivian fishers receive due compensation for their work.
The DRP Presidential manifesto includes a complete chapter on the development of fisheries in the country. The chapter contains promises to establish an international hub in the Maldives, that will buy, chill, store and process the fish catch from local and froreign seas.
In addition, the manifesto also states that a DRP government will register “Maldive Fish” as a trademark, incorporate the brand into Maldivian culture and establish a franchise chain in cooperation with fishing communities to reliably provide fish products under this brand name.
DhiFM Polls invalid, Dr. Shaheed is the most corrupt among presidential running mates – Presidential Spokesperson
Mr.Mohamed Hussein Shareef
MALE, Maldives – Presidential Spokesperson Mr. Mohamed Hussein Shareef has said that private radio broadcaster, 95.2 DhiFM’s Presidential polls cannot be held valid. He has also said that independent Presidential candidate Dr. Hassan Saeed’s running mate Dr. Ahmed Shaheed is the most corrupt among all the Presidential running mates taking part in this year’s election.
DhiFM Polls Cannot be Held Valid
Speaking at a press briefing held at the Maumoon 2008 Campaign Media Office, Mr. Shareef noted the lack of proper monitoring and evaluation systems in the country for unofficial SMS polls conducted by radio broadcasters such as DhiFM.
Dr. Shareef told the media that SMS polls are a common method used all over the world to assess public opinion. He added there are no proper systems to regulate, monitor or evaluate the validity of polls conducted in the Maldives.
Speaking to members of the media, Mr. Shareef said that it is common in countries all over the world to conduct unofficial opinion polls close to an election. He noted the importance of following an existing code of ethics while conducting such polls and expressed concern over the lack of a transparent monitoring system in the Maldives to evaluate polls held by private parties such as DhiFM.
Mr. Shareef said that in the absence of a proper monitoring system, polls conducted via text message cannot be held accurate. In explanation, he said that the current system used by radio broadcasters such as DhiFM limits the number of possible voters and opens up the possibility for a single person to vote more than once using several phone numbers. He also expressed concern over reports that certain individuals have paid expatriates to text votes.
A previous DhiFM opinion poll was declared invalid by the station itself following a landslide win for Hassan Saeed by 90 per cent of the votes.
Mr. Shareef stated that if polls continue to be conducted in this manner they would have an adverse psychological effect on the voting public.
He urged broadcasters such as DhiFM to publish a log of their polling results or the government will have to request the Ministry of Legal Reform, Information and Arts and the Telecommunications Authority of the Maldives as monitoring bodies to oversee polls.
Mr. Shareef said in conclusion that the results of DhiFM’s polls vary from the independent votes carried out by the Dhivehi Raiyyithunge Party (DRP) several months ago. DRP polls show that DRP Presidential candidate and incumbent President, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom will be elected President without requiring a second round of elections.
Dr. Shaheed Involved in Corruption Scandal
During the press briefing, Mr. Shareef also expressed his view that independent Presidential candidate Dr. Saeed’s running mate Dr. Shaheed should refrain from accusing others of corruption when he himself has committed extralegal acts during his time as Minister of Foreign Affairs.
To support his statement, Mr. Shareef explained that Dr. Shaheed had acquired the services of Indian web designing company Indo-Asian News Service (IANS) India Private Limited for the design and maintenance of a website. Mr. Shareef said that the Government has no official record of the purpose of this website which Dr. Shaheed had set aside for personal use. Mr. Shareef reminded Dr. Shaheed of his responsibility as a man in his position to answer to these charges.
Mr. Shareef said that he is aware of the fact that the Public Affairs Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for which the website was commissioned did not have the funds for such expenditure at the time and that as a result the Government is now forced to pay the outstanding amount of US$ 24,000 to IANS.
Mr. Shareef expressed his concerns about public funds having to be used to pay for private indulgence, especially in these economically difficult times.
Mr. Shareef said that those who wish to condemn corruption and advocate human rights should have a clean record. He also said that the government will be asking the soon-to-be established Anticorruption Commission and the independent Auditor General to look into this matter.
Market, sports stadiums and water sports facilities for Vilimale - Gayoom
VILIMALE, Male – Speaking at a campaign rally at Muhyuddin School in Vilimale ward of Male last night, the incumbent President of the Maldives and Presidential candidate of the ruling Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) Mr. Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has said that neither he nor the DRP will ever allow any religion besides Islam to be practiced in the Maldives.
While addressing the cheering Vilimale’ crowd Mr. Gayoom said that the Maldivian people have chosen Islam as their sole and unitary faith, and that this fact has therefore been irreversibly enshrined in the Constitution. He said that neither he nor the DRP will let the people be deprived of their right to choose their religion regardless of pressure from international organizations or friendly states.
In conclusion he stated that the Maldives belongs to its people and it is they who decide on the prevailing norms that govern this country.
Market and Sports Facilities in Vilimale
Mr. Gayoom, in his address, noted the difficulties faced by the residents of Vilimale – an island 2 km west of Male but administratively considered as Males 5th ward. He also gave assurances that if elected, the DRP Government will strive to provide appropriate solutions to the difficulties and respond to the concerns raised by residents.
Outlining the issues faced by Vilimale residents, Mr. Gayoom spoke about the lack of a proper market for the sale of fish and groceries. He said that Government plans to put a landplot for the development of such a market on tender and that the Male Municipality (MM) will be making the announcement soon.
In addition, Mr. Gayoom revealed to the captivated audience that the Government will construct 2 futsal stadiums and a turf stadium for football under the “FIFA Goal Project”.
Mr. Gayoom then spoke to the cheering crowds regarding water-sports facilities which have been planned to be built in Vilimale under a joint venture between the Government and private investments. He said that contracts for the project have been drawn up and sent to the Attorney General for review. According to Mr. Gayoom, construction for the water-sports facilities will begin this year.
Political Competition
Mr. Gayoom reminded Vilimale residents that as election day draws near, certain individuals will attempt to influence the voters. He appealed to them to cast their votes based on the veracity of candidates and practicality of their manifestos.. In addition he urged voters to take candidates’ service to the people into consideration as well.
The DRP Presidential candidate also expressed his amusement over the fact that those who left his Cabinet accusing him of blocking the reform process are now able to contest the first-ever multi-party election in the country as a result of his hard work to make the Reform Agenda a reality.
Mr. Gayoom also told the crowd that the pinnacle of the reform process was the ratification of the New Constitution on 7 August 2008.
Mr. Ahmed Thasmeen Ali’s Victory at Last Night’s TVM Running Mate Debate Mirrors Mr. Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s Success at TVM’s Presidential Q&A
MALE, Maldives — The Dhivehi Raiyyithunge Party (DRP) Presidential candidate’s running mate, Mr. Ahmed Thasmeen Ali, defeated his fellow Presidential running-mates at last night’s “Running Mate Debate” organized by the Ministry of Legal Reform, Information and Arts (MLRIA) under its “Think Nation Campaign” and aired live on Television Maldives (TVM), Voice of Maldives (VOM) and private broadcasters. Mr. Thasmeen Ali’s victory mirrors that of DRP Presidential candidate and incumbent President, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s success at the “Presidential Q&A” show which was also organized by the MLRIA as part of the “Think Nation Campaign”.
Mr. Thasmeen Ali was questioned as were all other candidates about the prospective condition of the Maldivian people in the next 5 years if each running mates respective party were to win the election. He drew on his academic qualifications and experience in order to answer this question. He also quoted from the DRP manifesto.
Maumoon 2008 Campaign Schedule of Events
28 SEPTEMBER 2008 (SUNDAY)
1630: DhiTV, Afternoon Press Brief - Maumoon 2008 Campaign Media.
2330: TVM, Siyaasee Fendaa - DRP Presidential candidate H.E. Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.
29 SEPTEMBER 2008 (MONDAY)
1630: DhiTV, Afternoon Press Brief - Maumoon 2008 Campaign Media.
2015: TVM, Siyaasee Fendaa - DRP Presidential candidate H.E. Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.
UN Reports show Maldives leads South Asia in protection of women’s rights - Dunya Maumoon
MALE, Maldives – The United Nations (UN) reports show that Maldives leads in the South Asian (SA) region for protecting women’s rights, Ms. Dunya Maumoon, the Deputy Foreign Minister and Deputy Leader of DRP Women’s Wing has said.
Speaking to 95. 6 Capital Radio tonight, regarding the DRP Presidential manifesto, she further stated that Maldives has always been noted as a country that secures and guarantees the rights of women and provides opportunities for women’s development.
International praise for ensuring equal rights for women
In the interview she gave to Capital, Ms. Maumoon also added that the incumbent President and DRP Presidential candidate Mr. Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has always been a vocal proponent of women’s rights and he has worked hard to facilitate equal opportunities for women in all areas.
She stated that, contrary to speculation, no international organization has lodged complaints or raised issues about the deprival of women’s rights in the Maldives so far.
She said that the international community has however praised the Maldives on several ocassions for providing economic, social, medical, educational and political rights to women on an equal basis with men.
DRP Presidential manifesto and women’s opportunities
Regarding the DRP Presidential manifesto, Ms. Maumoon said that the manifesto aims at providing an increased number of opportunities for women’s progress in the next 5 years.
She also said that the manifesto will open more doors for women in the job market.
Ms. Maumoon stated that previously, only men were allowed to become judges in the Maldives but the New Constitution which was amended as part of the Reform Agenda initiated by Mr. Gayoom, has removed this barrier for women.
Women’s rights politicized under the name of religion
Ms. Maumoon also expressed her disappointment over the fact that certain individuals are using religion as a platform to jeopardize the existing women’s rights in the country.
The worst thing, she noted, were their endeavors to gain certain political benefits out of it.
She also shared her experiences while working with the UN where she had actively participated in carrying out surveys and research on women’s issues. In light of her experience Ms. Maumoon concluded that she can attest to the fact that Maldives is an exemplary nation in the provision and protection of women’s rights.
Criticizing Gayoom’s religious policies akin to “holding a lamp to the noonday sun” - Sheikh Qubad Abu Bakr
MALE, Maldives – The Vice President of the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (SCIA) Sheikh Mohamed Qubad Abu Bakr has said that criticizing the incumbent President and DRP Presidential candidate Mr. Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s religious policies is akin to “holding a lamp to the noonday sun”.
In a message that was recorded at the Maumoon 2008 Media Office to be televised, he further stated that it was Mr. Gayoom who propagated and strengthened the tenets of Islam in the country, after taking office in 1978. He also affirmed that Mr. Gayoom’s status as an advocate of Islam is far superior to that of the other candidates in this year’s Presidential race.
Adhaalath Party takes Election Commission to Court
The Adhaalath Party (AP) filed suit against the Elections Commission (EC) at the Supreme Court (SC) on 26 September 2008. Their case is that the EC’s decision to approve Mr. Gayoom’s bid for the presidency is unconstitutional based on Article 109 (b) of the Constitution. Mr. Gayoom is represented as a third party as the case has bearing upon his person and profession. Sheikh Qubad Abu Bakr is part of Mr. Gayoom’s legal representation which is comprised of attorneys at law and Islamic scholars such as himself.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Nothing can stop the youth from advancing their careers - Gayoom
MALE, Maldives – DRP Presidential candidate Mr. Maumoon Abdul Gayoom addressed the Maldivian youth tonight. He told them that nothing can stand in the way of the advancement of their careers.
Speaking to the youth at Kalaafaanu School in the Henveiru ward of Male as part of his Presidential campaign, he also told them it is narrow-minded thinking that has made the youth synonymous with illegal drugs and sports. He stated that on the contrary, the youth are the future of the country. He also said that we can achieve true social development by providing the youth with the education and training that they need as they are the hope of the nation.
Increasing Availability of Opportunities
Captivated audience of young men and women
Mr. Gayoom also narrated his personal life experiences as a young boy growing up in a poor family and the hard work he had to do in order to pursue higher education.
He also told them that now the youth have limitless opportunities to advance in the field of their choice. In addition he also said that the government gives great importance to empowering the youth and making them independent, self-reliant individuals.
DRP Presidential Manifesto Is Youth-Oriented
Mr. Gayoom said that the DRP Presidential manifesto includes various promises on youth to make them self-reliant and prepared to face the challenges in life for their continued development. He also said that the manifesto includes many projects planned with the youth in mind as the DRP feels that youth participation is integral to the development of the country.
He quoted excerpts from the manifesto’s chapter on youth which included eliminating the hurdles that prevent the youth from securing employment, shaping the job market so that it is legally and economically favorable to the youth, creating 15,000 additional job opportunities for the youth and providing government sponsorship for 6000 students in 5 years.
Speaking to the youth in a casual and relaxed atmosphere Mr. Gayoom quipped that it would be unwise to let someone who gives up in the face of challenges, become the next leader for the Maldives. So he reminded the youth to give careful thought to the contending candidates before casting their vote.
In addition to Mr. Gayoom, Member of DRP Council and Minister of Legal Reform, Information and Arts Mr. Mohamed Nasheed and Deputy Leader of the DRP Youth Wing Mr. Ahmed Mahloof also addressed the gathering.
Mr. Gayoom also answered queries from the youth who consisted of equally large numbers of young men and women.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Gayoom confident of his right to contest as he awaits landmark Supreme Court verdict tomorrow
Incumbent Maumoon Abdul Gayoom yesterday expressed confidence of his right to contest as well as victory as he awaits a landmark Supreme Court verdict tomorrow on his candidacy at the October 8th Presidential polls.
“They (opponents) know if I contest I will win with the help of Allah. So they are working on all fronts to block my candidacy,” President Gayoom declared in an interview with Sun FM today.
Gayoom also quoted Article 107 of the Constitution to stress that there is no barrier in his way to contest.
His comments came after the newly set up interim Supreme Court today held its maiden hearing of the case filed by Social Liberal Party (SLP) challenging the candidacy of Gayoom at the October 8th first ever multi party Presidential polls.
The hearing which began at 11.30 a.m. saw large crowds gathered at the “Muleeaage” which is temporarily housing the interim Supreme Court.
The SLP’s action is against the Interim Elections Commission for clearing the candidacy of Gayoom at the Polls. The Commission also cleared candidacy of five others including SLP’s presidential hopeful Ibrahim Ismail (Ibra).
Its plaint submitted by Lawyer Ahmed Afeef maintained the Article 107 of the Constitution dealing with the two terms of the president says anyone who has completed two terms cannot stand for presidency again.
The provision says that “the President shall hold office for a term of five years; and no person elected as President under this Constitution shall serve for more than two term in office, whether consecutive or otherwise.”
The SLP’s plaint appealed to the Supreme Court to nullify the Elections Commission’s decision to allow Gayoom to contest the upcoming Presidential Elections.
The defendant interim Elections Commissions was represented by lawyer Shaheen Hameed and he argued that Article 107 also has a rider that says person elected under “this Constitution” for 2 terms cannot re-contest.
The defendant maintained Gayoom is not elected under “this” Constitution and the Constitution came into effect from August 7 is not retrospective.
Hence he argued President Gayoom’s past terms do not stand in his way to contest.
Gayoom is currently serving his sixth term as the President of the Maldives, elected under two previous constitutions.
At the Court house, plaintiff lawyer Afeef argued that since there are different interpretations on the same Article, it was necessary to assess the intention of the Special Majlis that was tasked with completing the new Constitution.
Initially, in a letter sent to the Speaker of the Special Majlis, President Gayoom had then said he wants the Constitution amended.
But the defence lawyer argued that there was no need to assess the intention of the Special Majlis when the law was clear enough.
Lawyer Mohamed Fizan, co-defendant too was present at the Supreme Court hearing today as a third party representing President Gayoom.
Fizan later told Hamaroalhi Daily that the Article 293 says January 1998 Constitution was repealed by the August 7 2008 Constitution.
Above all, he said Article 301 (a) says the “first presidential elections under this Constitution shall be held before 10 October 2008.”
“It is clear this is the first election and no one has served a presidential term under the new Constitution,” Fizan emphasized.
After hearing submissions from lawyers concerned, the five-member Interim Supreme Court adjourned the sessions.
Hamaroalhi Daily learns that the interim Supreme Court is expected to deliver the verdict tomorrow with the interim Elections Commission already fighting against time to hold the poll by October 8 as per the new Constitution requirement.
This story is contributed by Ms Poorna Rodrigo, Hamaroalhi Daily
DRP Presidential candidate says the Hulhumale Bridge is a bridge between Maldives and its future
Housing units and the mosque at Hulhumale
HULHUMALE, Maldives — The Presidential candidate of the ruling Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP), and the President of Maldives Mr. Maumoon Abdul Gayoom said the construction of the Hulhumale Bridge between Male and Hulhumale is a bridge between Maldives and its future.
Speaking at a campaign rally here to a jubilant crowd of residents of Hulhumale tonight, Mr. Gayoom also affirmed the people this bridge is not a fairytale and its construction will be a reality.
A DRP’s Presidential promise
The groundbreaking Hulhumale Bridge project was first announced by Mr. Gayoom on the live Television Maldives (TVM) program Presidential Question and Answer on 3 September 2008 which brought in all Presidential candidates at the same table for the first time in the country’s history.
In addition, it is also one of the promises under the chapter on housing in the DRP’s Presidential manifesto.
Hulhumale is 3 km away from the capital Male’.
Hulhumale support for Gayoom
A huge crowd of DRP and its candidate’s supporters of Hulhumale attended tonight’s rally at Laalee International School and showed their confidence in Mr. Gayoom.
In addition to Mr. Gayoom, his running mate Mr. Ahmed Thasmeen Ali, DRP Youth Wing member Mr. Alhan Fahmy and his sister Noorban Fahmy and DRP’s Media Coordinator Mr. Nihan also addressed the attendees.
Hulhumale, the most ambitious land reclamation and urban development project in the country’s history, is a wholly-reclaimed artificial-island project to ease and solve the housing and conjestion problems in the capital Male initiated by President Gayoom in 1997.
By the end of 2002, 188 hectares of land in its first phase of reclaimation, its physical and social infrastructure and residential developments were completed in 2004.
Afternoon Press Brief At the Media Office
MALE, Maldives
These are the highlights of today’s Press Brief held at the Maumoon 2008 Media Office at 1630hrs.
The Deputy Media Manager Mr. Ali Waheed, Maumoon 2008 legal consultant Mohamed Fizan and Mohamed Hanim’s legal representative Ibrahim Riza spoke at today’s brief.
Upcoming Events
Mr. Waheed updated the media on the upcoming campaign events for this week.
DRP Presidential candidate, Mr. Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, will meet the residents of Hulhumale’ tonight. The meeting is to be held at Hulhumale’ International School at 2130hrs.
Mr. Gayoom will also attend an event held for the youth in Male’ tomorrow night. The event will be held at Kalaafaanu School in Henveiru ward at 2300hrs.
The candidate will also tour Laamu Atoll over the weekend.
DRP Proposes Debate on Urban Centers
Mr. Waheed extended an invitation from the Maumoon 2008 Campaign to other Presidential candidates to nominate technical professionals to debate the feasibility of “Urban Centers” as per their manifestos.
According to him, the purpose of this debate is to share the feasibility and practicality of the promised “Urban Centers” with the public so that they can make an informed decision based on technical information.
In answer to questions from the media, Mr. Waheed said that all Presidential candidates should already be prepared to send their nominees to the debate as all their manifestos should have been compiled with the assistance of trained professionals.
Mr. Waheed also noted that this debate is one in a series of planned debates on manifesto content to increase public awareness the relative practical achievability of the promises candidates have made in them.
Urban Centers have been promised in almost all the Presidential manifestos circulating among the Maldivian Public. Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) candidate Mr. Mohamed Nasheed has promised 7 such centers while independent candidate Dr. Hassan Saeed and Islamic Democratic Party (IDP) candidate Mr. Umar Naseer have both proposed 4 and DRP Presidential candidate Mr. Gayoom has promised 2.
MDP Terrorist Links
In response to a repeat question about DRP-MDP cooperation, Mr. Waheed denied the existence of any such link. However, he said that it is possible that the DRP and MDP might agree on issues in parliament solely in the best interests of the people.
In addition, Mr. Waheed also reminded the press that we have our own Presidential candidate, running mate and manifesto so there is no reason for us to join with the MDP.
He stressed the clear links between the MDP Alliance leadership and terrorist activities that took place in the Maldives.
Mr. Waheed further empahsized Mr. Nasheed’s family connections to the perpetrators of the terrorist attacks in 3 November 1988 Male’, which claimed 19 innocent Maldivian lives. He also spoke about MDP Alliance running mate Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hussein Manik’s family links to the early ‘90s bombing incident.
Mr. Waheed then concluded that the people of the Maldives have not forgotten that the MDP leadership has blood on their hands.
Supreme Court Cases are Media Circuses
Speaking on the high-profile cases recently filed by the Social Liberal Party (SLP), Mr. Fizan said that this campaign does not have to and will not respond to what he called “orchestrated media stunts”.
The first hearing of the SLP’s case against the constitutionality of the Elections Commission’s decision to approve Mr. Gayoom’s bid for the presidency was held today at the Supreme Court (SC).
Mr. Fizan further expressed this campaign’s complete faith and confidence in the SC judges’ experience, qualifications and integrity.
“The judiciary is now unbiased and independent. So are the other independent commissions. Mr. Gayoom’s name will be onj the ballot paper and, with the will of God, we will win”, Mr. Fizan stated.
Mr. Fizan spoke about the details of court proceedings in today’s hearing. He said that the SLP’s case is flimsy as the only grounds on which they contest the constitutionality of Mr. Gayoom’s eligibility is based on Article 107 (a) of the New Constitution. Mr. Fizan said that under the New Constituion, Mr. Gayoom has the right to run for President on equal grounds with the other candidates.
Hanim vs. Civil Service Commission (CSC)
Mr. Riza updated the press on the progress of the Hanim vs. CSC case regarding the unconstitutionality of the CSC’s actions against Mr. Hanim.
Mr. Riza said that Artile 53 of the Civil Service Act (CSA) 2007 contradicts Article30 (a) of the Constitution.
Mr. Hanim was demoted from his position as Director General at the Ministry of Youth and Sports following his appearance at the DRP Presidential campaign launch.
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