The First Anniversary in the Power: achievements and challenges

It passed a year in 11th November 2009 since the new government took over the power. Majority of Maldivians had high expectations when a 30-year old regime was finally brought to the end by a new government. Although some were not convinced of the presidential candidate, Maldivians wanted to see a change. However, now people are not sure if their choice was right. It is also noted that the new government came to power during a very critical global situation. The global financial crisis was at its peak and Maldives being a nation solely dependent on tourism and financial aids suffered incredibly. Moreover, the various reports published in daily news papers also evident that previous government was not very wise in handling financial matters. Additionally, Maldives also experienced the challenges in diplomatic relations due to its autocratic rule existed. Besides, politico-economic challenges there were numerous social problems such as drug addicts Islamist threats. The crime rates rose in the capital where it has overcrowded population and spread around other islands making the life of a normal Maldivian miserable. The whole population seems to experience kind of political epidemic which sometimes took a violent nature. Now, let us see the various achievements and challenges new government experienced in a year in the power.
- Economy
The government came to power during the global financial crisis and also had to deal with the mismanagement of finance by previous governments. Hence, people cannot expect a sudden success in economic area. The government main goal was to minimise the affect of the global financial crisis in Maldives. The government rushed to business reforms and privatisation process. The various foreign trips were undertaken to get foreign investments, the main targets being the India and the European Union. The President spoke about the various projects to be handled by the foreign companies in various parts of the Maldives. However, it is unfortunate that there is not much progress so far. As the global economy began recovering now, Maldives also started recovering but still the inflation and the inequality in the salary existed. Additionally as Maldives is import-oriented country, it also has a problems in foreign trade which caused a rise in inflation. It is also hard to say that government is very successful in controlling the inflation. Hence, in my opinion still it is early to criticise the economic scenario of Maldives. The government has a good plan for economic development but without outcome.
-Politics and foreign relations
The ruling government claimed that they are the first democratically elected government. However, since the election MDP led coalition did not enjoy a very peaceful relation. As a result, Qaumee Party already left the coalition and Adalath Party is on the edge of leaving the coalition. Since MDP took over the power there are lots of political conflicts between and among parties. This is indeed expected, as the criticism is a door to the success. However, I am not sure if Maldivian politics is taking a national interest or invested personal interest. Although the government claimed that they ruled for a year without any political prisoner, it is also very challenging to work with people who lack the compromises and corporation. It was also a challenge when MDP lost the majority of Majlis to the opposition. This is evident from the recently held unsuccessful no-confidence motion taken against Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Ahmed Shaheed. There are controversies against this motion, where some believed that it was merely motivated by reasonable politics but rather it was more a personal grudge between Dr. Shaheed and Speaker of the People’s Majlis, Mr. Abdulla Shahid. Ibra, prominent personality in politics and ex-MP, said that this no-confidence motion was not valid and was put in the agenda of the Majlis unconstitutionally. Further he also said that it is a good time to take a no-confidence motion against the Speaker or the people’s Majlis. These quarrels between parties caused it hard to concentrate on the development of nation rather it halt the national development. May be the ruling party does not posses a very good communication and cooperate skills. On the other hand, Maldives also took a turn in its diplomatic relations where more priority is given to the West than East.
Social problems
Male’, capital of Maldives has been overcrowded with people who either migrated looking for better jobs or education or better life. However, they ended in a mess. I do not have to bring the social conditions of Male’ here. The migrated families bear the costs while owners of the land benefit. Migration took over an extreme turn that government unable to fully regulate it. The land owners in Male’ earned buckets of currency while the islanders loose everything they earned for rent. I fully support the decentralised administration however, not convinced if it is going to be implemented any soon. The decentralisation has been an ideal way to stop the rapid migration. If the new government could at least spread development in seven zones then I think there might be a solution to the migration hence, people will be willing to settle in their islands. Apart from this, the Islamic extremist also began spreading in Maldives. These people use religion as a tool for both as oppression and gather support for their cause. If government is not able to control this right now soon Maldives might become second Afghanistan or Pakistan.

Nevertheless, government is steadily progressing when considered all the challenges they are facing. However, the policies of government sometimes question its ability to rule a nation. When they said that the government would not spend on unnecessary posts, there were quite many political appointees and it still is going on. Policies such as rise in salary when there was a high inflation and high debt, and increased political appointees, unnecessary foreign visits, and so on brings doubts on their success in the power when they are celebrating a year. But I wish people start seeing changes happening in near future otherwise we do not want to see another mistake. The government should bring national interest for the betterment of the society than pleasing their buddies.