Why Thimarafushi should reject Ghassan Maumoon

1. Drink driving incident

It was the talk of the town at one time.  That the dictator’s son had been involved in a drink-driving incident in the UK where he was studying and that embassy officials had to bail him out of jail was causing waves in all circles of society.  There were allegations that the victim had died, but this variation of the tale was to far-fetched for most to believe.  The other story that said that it was public money used to bail the young man out and that the finance minister at the time resigned over this incident was more believable and may even be true.

Credit must be given to the Gayoom government for keeping the matter hushed up.  Bits of information trickled out into the public domain, yet the full picture has not yet been revealed to the public.  The people of Thimarafushi should think twice before casting their ballots for an individual with such serious, unanswered questions hanging over his head.

2. Inexperienced candidate sheltered from real life

Unlike his siblings, the DRP candidate has never worked a day in his life.  Having spent the past years as a student he returned to play a role in ensuring that the family enterprise (ruling Maldives) survived.  Having failed in this task the Gayoom firm now finds itself perilously close to bankruptcy.  Sure, Ghassan may be well coached in saying the right things in the right ways (his Salawat saying has now been perfected), but can a man raised behind the walls of Gayoomdom really be in touch with people and be able to represent them in the Majlis? 

3. Dictator’s legacy

The fallen regime spent many years tightening their grip throughout the country.  This was from the northernmost islands all the way down to Addu in the south.  From the poorest people given $200 and a ticket abroad to seek medical treatment to those in the higher ranks of the government rewarded for their loyalty.  In order for the country to move on, it is essential for it to put the dictator’s rule behind them.

Having his son elected to the Majlis will be a major setback.  It would mean that the country would remain divided and many people disrupt government actions with the hope of returning their beloved lord and his clan to power.  Who knows, perhaps Gayoom himself dreams of kicking the Supreme Court out of Theemuge and return to his multi-million dollar palace in 2013?

4. Weakened opposition

This point closely relates to the previous one. Speaking at a rally to celebrate MDP’s 4^th anniversary, President Nasheed said that it was important that DRP be strengthened in order to sustain a healthy democracy with space for competitive political parties.  He went further and suggested that Gayoom leave the party’s helm in order for it to become a viable opposition party.

If Gayoom’s son is elected to the Majlis, despite very valid questions of what exactly he got up to in England, it will spell the end of the political aspirations of the very talented young DRP MPs who are driving their party forward.  Rather than having an opportunity to lead their party, the likes of Alhan, Mahloof, Nihan and Ali Waheed would once again be consigned to a life of servitude.