Recent Political Developments in Maldives
Maldives’ transition to democracy started in 2008 when after 30 year of autocratic rule, President Gayoom promulgated a new constitution, paving the way for first multiparty election in the island country. The new constitution introduced some institutional and legislative reforms but the country failed to reach consensus on many issues such as judicial independence, presidential powers; parliamentary elections and so on.
In October 2008 elections, Mahamed Nasheed emerged winner in second round of elections and was inaugurated as President. He introduced some of the important reforms and announced to gradually deregulate state-controlled media and ensure freedom of media. However, soon discontentment with Mohamed Nasheed developed over issues such as illegal detention of a Criminal judge; allowing contract with Indian Company GMR without prior consent of Parliament; curb on government institutions; increasing inflation etc.
There were widespread protects in the country in 2012, after which Nasheed was forced to resign. Nasheed claimed that he was deposed in a military-led coup. His claims led to formation of a Commission of National Inquiry (CoNI), which found that the resignation was legal and constitutional.
In 2013, another election was held in which there was a tough contest between Mohamed Nasheed and Abdulla Yameen. Both the parties failed to secure the 50% mark in the first round but the second round was delayed by the authorities. This allowed enough time to Mr. Yameen, a half-brother of former dictator Abdul Gayoom, to garner support. Finally, Mr. Abdulla Yameen’s party came to power in alliance Jhumri party (JP).
Since then, Maldives has been under political controversies. In 2014, the country announced a new law to end 61 years old moratorium on capital punishment. In February 2015, Nasheed was arrested on terrorism charges, but these sparked mass protests by his supporters. In March that year, Nasheed was sentenced to jail for 13 years after being found guilty for 13 years. This verdict elicited international concern from governments and rights groups.
In November 2015, ahead of a mass rally by Nasheed supporters, the government imposed a state of emergency for 30 days. Emergency was lifted only after international pressure mounted on Maldives. In January 2016, Mahamed Nasheed was granted permission to travel to Britain for 30 days for a spinal cord surgery. However, Nasheed does not return. In 2016, the Government orders him to return back; and strips him of pension entitlements and health insurance. Meanwhile, Nasheed was granted refugee status in Britain. The Maldives court then issued arrest warrant against Nasheed.
Not only Nasheed, but also the Vice President Ahmed Adeeb faced the wrath of the government. In October 2015, Adeeb was accused of involvement in an assassination attempt against President. In June 2016, he was convicted of being involved in assassination attempt and was hailed for 15 years.
Further, in October, 2016, Maldives has also decided to leave “Commonwealth of Nations” which had warned the country to suspend it failing to show progress in promoting democracy.
