India must ensure early polls in Maldives: Nasheed

Deposed president warns fundamentalists could takeover his country if elections are not held by 2013

Deposed President of Maldives Mohamed Nasheed on Wednesday impressed upon India to use its influence to ensure early elections in Maldives.

“If we delay, elections in 2013 will be impossible,” the former president said fearing that the uncertainty would only allow radical Islamic militants to get a tight hold over the country’s polity.  

He said the impact of Maldives becoming a cell of radical fundamentalists may be felt by  the South Asian continent. “They do not want singing competition”, the ex-President said referring to the fatwa by the radical elements in Maldives banning singing.

Speaking  at a conference organised by Observer Research Foundation  (ORF) here , Nasheed said it was shocking how “quickly” India recognised status quo in Maldives. “ It has something to do with briefs of High Commission”, he hastened to add. The function was moderated and  attended  by well known security analyst Dr C Raja Mohan and Vice-President of ORF Nandan Unnikrishnan.

Nasheed, on a private visit to India, is expected to meet high officials of the government  next week. He was forced to resign by Maumoon Abdul  Gayoom on February 7 this year. Answering a question, he said China or Pakistan were not directly involved in the coup.

Quizzed whether there could be a compromise, Nasheed said “there must be room for compromise ..all of us should compromise”.

Consolidate democracy

The former President said he was trying to consolidate democracy in Maldives and was able to dispel the bogey of India in his country. Nasheed said he clarified to his people  that India was not  there “to get at you…if India wants it can do in a snap.”

“I am in India to impress upon Indian people to make early elections in Maldives possible. Elections in the country would allow people to decide who should govern them”, he said.

Nasheed said the government of President Gayoom was “a façade” as “the vice-President in my government is Vice president in his government (as well)”.