Maldives Coup

11 February

Despite Waheed’s announcement that he will not hold elections prior to 2013, the events of Saturday, February 11^th, were relatively calm in comparison to previous days since the coup.  The baghee government seems unlikely to arrest President Nasheed, despite the Criminal Court issued warrant.  Perhaps this is due to external pressure coming from the MDP as well as the international community, generated by President Nasheed’s press conference, held Thursday February 9^th. 

Unfortunately, the U.S. endorsement to delay elections until 2013, given a lack of capacity within the current government to conduct “free and fair” elections will make demands by President Nasheed and MDP supporters much more difficult to bring to fruition.  Although the baghee government supporters in the People’s Majilis do not have 2/3 majority to change the Maldivian Constitution to do away with elections all together, delaying a year and nine months will allow human rights abuses to continue unchecked and cause tensions within the Maldives to escalate further.

International support for President Nasheed has been mixed and muddled by national interests. The U.S., which sent a State Department Envoy, is merely calling for a “compromise” and  “investigation” of the government transition. India has recognized Waheed’s baghee government although a civil society petition is circulating to pressure the government to support President Nasheed.  Despite the lack of outright support for President Nasheed other nations have stepped up to put pressure on Waheed’s government.  A Commonweath Ministers meeting is being held to discuss the situation, while Germany has also called for an “investigation” and has expressed its concern about the violent attacks on MDP MPs and protestors.  Additionally, a UN envoy has been dispatched to the Maldives to ensure the safety of President Nasheed and that the rule of law is upheld.

An MDP meeting was held at the artificial beach in Male’ near DRP and PPM headquarters.  President Nasheed rejected the U.S. call for “compromise” and will continue to push for early elections to be held.  Despite the thousands of MDP supporters present, no police, MNDF or opposition groups were seen, with the exception of an unknown object being thrown into the crowd.  The atmosphere was charged with hope in support of restoring democracy and many protest signs exemplified this: “Power to the People’s Democracy,” “Stop the Coup Brutality on Civilians,” “Where is My Vote,” “We Need Free and Fair Elections,” “No Sir! We [sic: don’t] Follow Money,” etc.  The rayyithun (people) have spoken and they are standing in solidarity for the Maldivian Constitution and human rights to be upheld.