Maldivian Democratic Party

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Logo of the Maldivian Democratic Party, depicting a beam balance which symbolizes justice and equality

Maldives
This article is part of the series: Politics and government of the Maldives

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The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) is a political party of the Maldives. Its stated goal is the promotion of human rights and democracy in the Maldives.

There had not been political parties in the Maldives since 1952. The MDP initially submitted its registration on February 24, 2001. Although the Maldivian Constitution allows political parties to operate, the MDP's application was rebuffed. Shortly after the 2003 Maldives civil riots and the death of Evan Naseem, MDP declared its existence in exile from Sri Lanka on November 10, 2003. Initially, it was formed by a group of 42 people, which included members of parliament, a former cabinet minister and leading businessmen. Members on its first general council were elected on February 13, 2004.

Although the MDP was not recognized by the Maldivian government, it began operating in Maldives on April 30, 2005, with its Chairperson Mohamed Nasheed (Anni) returning to the country from exile.

On June 2, 2005, the country's 50-member legislature, the Majlis voted unanimously to allow political parties to operate in the Maldives. MDP was the first organization to submit its registration on June 9 and was promptly registered on June 26, 2005.

On December 20, 2005 Ibrahim Ismail (Ibra) was elected President of the MDP. In February 2006 he threatened to resign the party over the resulting disputes after the chairperson Mohamed Nasheed called for a National Executive Committee meeting without his consent. Almost entire shadow cabinet defied his orders and attended this meeting on February 5, 2006.^[1] However he did not resign the presidency or the party during this time. He resigned on April 30, 2006. ^[2]

The Maldivian Democratic Party has been accused by the Government of Maldives of inciting violence and attempting to destabilise a democratically elected Government^[3],a claim strongly denied by MDP. Some analysts have pointed out that this is essentially a power struggle between the ruling elite in Male' and the Adduans from the south, who for years have been neglected by the Government in the capital^[4],with growing calls for revolution^[5].As such the party has been labelled a wealthy inexperienced band of renegades who would resort to any means necessary to ensure their foothold in the next government. The exiles abroad, including those who have previously attempted to oust the Government of President Gayoom on a number of occasions,the most famous and ruthless of them being sikka , have been instrumental in propelling this movement^[6]^[7].

The highly publicised death of Evan Naseem, a drug addict, while in state custody, and the subsequent outpouring of public outrage, provided the perfect opportunity for the exiles, who have been regrouping abroad, to strike. The MDP, as they are known, have resorted to intimidation through violence to force the Government of Gayoom to relinquish its hold on power^[8]. Their lack of professionalism and refusal to try and achieve a smooth transition of power through diplomacy and peaceful means have caused rifts to appear within the party itself. The violent tactics of MDP are largely believed to be spearheaded by Ibrahim Hussain Zaki and Munnavar, both of whom have served in the present government as cabinet level Ministers and have a track record of corruption, with strong affiliations with the wealthy of Addu,Munnavar himself being from Addu.The moderates in the party have been quickly sidelined as soon as their purpose, as the common man from the streets image, expired.

The most prominent of these moderates is Ibrahim Ismail (Ibra) who was elected as the President of the Party by popular mandate. His resignation, it is claimed by many is the strongest sign that the Party is just a public show and that the real power brokers are operating from the shadows. Also worth mention as a moderate is Dr. Mohammed Waheed Hassan Maniku, the Stanford educated Maldivian with arguably the most impressive CV for the post of Presidency^[9]. Dr.Waheed has strongly advocated a non-violent approach to political reform^[10]^[11] and is being held by an increasing number of learned Maldivians as being the ideal candidate for the Top job in Maldives. However the financial superiority of the elite of MDP and its highly effective propaganda machines, including the Dhivehiobserver website, have meant that Dr.Waheed needs more than just political experience to lead MDP on the path of moderation or form an independent Political Party for that matter.

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[edit] References

^ www.minivannews.com Ibrahim Ismail threatened to resign the party.
^ www.minivannews.comIbrahim Ismail resigned on April 30, 2006.
^ [1].MDP-orchestrated public disturbance in Male'.
^ [2] Gayyoom's so called Foreign Policy destroyed the hopes and aspirations of the people of Addu Atoll.
^ [3]A revolution is the only way now.
^ [4]The Government Accuses MDP of Planning to Disrupt Elections
^ [5]Were the MDP leadership elections rigged?
^ [6]Actions of MDP analysed.
^ [7]www.drwaheed.com.
^ [8].MDP Must reject 'Militant Approach'.
^ [9]. Dr. Waheed: MDP Is Not Doing Enough.