A referendum on Maldives’ future form of government has gone in favour of President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. About 60 per cent of those who participated in the referendum extended support for a presidential form of government.  The President has been championing a strong executive presidency, while his political opponents have campaigned for a parliamentary democracy. The referendum result indicates public support for President Gayoom’s vision for Maldives. However, the figures cannot be taken at face value. The referendum was allegedly rigged. These allegations cannot be taken lightly as the Gayoom government has a long history of manipulating elections to ensure a desired outcome. President Gayoom has been in power for the past three decades. His rule has been extended by periodic ‘elections’ in which he has been the sole candidate. Over the past few years, a pro-democracy movement has emerged in the Maldives and the Gayoom government has shown little tolerance towards it.
The referendum has cleared the way for Maldives to adopt a new constitution in November and to hold its first multi-party election next year. President Gayoom is expected to use the endorsement provided by the referendum to arrogate more powers to the presidency. He has said he will contest presidential elections next year to win another term in order to complete the political reform process he has set in motion. While his government has indeed taken a few tentative steps towards reform, his government has dragged its feet on ushering in reforms. If he is indeed committed to democratic reform, he should signal this by winning a mandate through a real election, where he is pitted against other candidates. Phony referendums are not democratic.
The President and his supporters have skilfully marketed a strong presidency as being synonymous with stability and economic prosperity. Indeed his rule has brought economic prosperity to the Maldives. But a presidency with excessive powers, without adequate checks and balances, is a recipe for disaster in the long run. Political institutions under Mr Gayoom’s rule have remained stunted and revolve around his personality. This does not bode well for post-Gayoom Maldives. It is time Mr Gayoom thought more about the future of the Maldives.