Adversarial Politics

The formation of political parties and their involvement in the political process in Maldives has not helped to bring about an easier path to political reform that the country has embarked upon.
Most Maldivians now believe that a one-candidate, one-party system isn't in the spirit of democracy and isn't good for most of us. While we cannot expect perfection from political parties and candidates, we do want choices, and an honest exchange of ideas. Differences between political parties and office holders prevent secrets, and lead to public debate and ensure we hear both pros and cons on issues. This is the adversarial politics of democracy.

The politics that we are seeing in Maldives is turning out to be skulduggery, with twists and turns and switching of allegiances. The recently resigned foreign minister and the presidential spokesman's heated public exchanges about the autopsy of the Maldivian whose mysterious death saw his family get embroiled with the Government is a sad reflection of the state of our national politics.

We need to shift the focus of our politics from an all out adversarial fight to a more collaborative one because the issues that we face are complex. From housing, health care, education, drug addiction, employment, fair distribution of wealth and social welfare are all interdependent and we need to find lasting solutions. We have to find common ground so that we can all cooperate and develop on a progressive path. We have to give up capitalising on conflict and taking advantage of each other's weakness.

With a new constitution that is nearing its completion, one would have hoped that the way forward would be smooth. The difficulties of getting to this point over the last three years has shown that the pages of a constitution does not lead to proper governance and a thriving democracy. We need to build up independent institutions and choose a more civic temperament to communicate and resolve our problems.

Over the years, Maldivians have become more cynical as a people and as a result are more detached from their political leaders and from each other. Cynicism has destroyed our civic values and eroded our confidence as a people. Our character defined by our unity and social harmony is almost non-existent now. We are also losing faith in the idea of freedom. Politicians can rise to the challenge and reverse this trend.

With an eye on next year's presidential election, political parties are bad-mouthing and finger-pointing at each other and working overtime. What is emerging is bitter rivalry showing us the darker side of humanity.

The true success of a democratic society will depend on the willingness of their citizens to take ownership of their communities and government. The political parties and the political process must allow that to happen in Maldives. Maldivian political parties will have to ease up throwing barbs at each other and get back to dealing with the issues of the country.