Ruling coalition demand MDP “stop use of black magic, sexual and erotic tools”, “not walk in groups of more than 10”
04 Jun 2012, 4:02 PM
JJ Robinson
Parties in the ruling coalition presented the ousted Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) with a list of 30 demands to “resolve the problem of public disturbances”, during the weekend’s All-Party Talks.
Resolving the country’s political turmoil was the first item on the six point agenda for the talks, which were to conclude with setting a date for fresh presidential elections.
The MDP has demanded early elections following the police-and-military led mutiny on February 7 that led to the resignation of President Mohamed Nasheed in what the party alleges was a “coup d’état” orchestrated by parties loyal to former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.
The list, obtained by Minivan News, includes demands that the MDP “stop practicing black magic and sorcery”, “stop the use of sexual and erotic tools”, and “not walk in groups of more than 10”.
The list also demands that the MDP “not keep crows and other animals in public areas”, “not participate in protests in an intoxicated condition“, and “not defame the country both domestically and internationally”.
MDP representative at the talks, former Tourism Minister Dr Mariyam Zulfa, said other parties involved in the talks “were adamant from the beginning that under no circumstances would there be early elections. There was a lot of rhetoric and mockery against the MDP,” she said.
“It was up to the party leaderships to ensure that the people who were present [at the talks] were open minded. MDP was the only party to go into the talks with any sort of professional preparation – we had our national leadership committee prepare a way forward for all items on the agenda,” she said.
“But the spirit of working together was not there. It manifested in their tone – mocking and sarcastic. They gave no seriousness to the discussion of any point.”
President’s Office Spokesperson and Jumhoree Party (JP) representative at the talks, Abbas Adil Riza, said he believed the drafting and discussion of the 30 points was itself a “major achievement”.
“I think the MDP are taking the talks seriously,” he said. “We have to understand that they have certain grievances, but they are having a difficult time with their leadership. They basically have to consult with Nasheed all the time. I was happy with their attitude, and I think things will be fast-tracked in the new few weeks.”
Riza said UN mediation expert Pierre Yves Monett, who assisted with the talks, was “very helpful and brought a lot of experience. If not for him we’d have walked out a long time before.”
“30 things that could be done to resolve the political turbulence in the country” (rough translation – original Dhivehi)
Stopping the attacks on security services, the media and the general public during protests held on streets and other public areas, which initiate from a certain area.
Not obstruct political party rallies and political figures who visit the islands
Not obstruct religious scholars during their visits to the islands
Not attack public property
Not harass political figures, physically or verbally
Not attack the media
Not conduct business without proper authorisation from the authorities
Stop conducting illicit activities in public parks after hoisting the party flag
Not make noises that disturb and obstruct pedestrians and drivers on the streets, and stop snatching things from them
Not to keep crows and other animals in public areas
Stop the use of sexual and erotic tools
Not make ‘Musaafiruhaanaa’ (a type of bed used by crews to sleep on Maldivian vessels) in public areas
Not hang swings that obstruct pavements
Not provoke and harass those visiting islands
Not participate in protests in an intoxicated condition
Not conduct political party activities on streets and on the street pavements
Not defame the country both domestically and locally
Not obstruct parliament sessions
Not provide false information to the public over TV and radio
Not involve minors in protests and not use any logos of foreign groups in protests
While coming and going from peaceful political rallies, to not to shout and disturb the public, and not to walk in groups of more than 10
Stop the use of mega phones in both protests and street activities
Not hold trials without submitting to the High Court
Not to mislead court actions
Stop interpreting laws on the streets
Not hold rallies on the street
All political parties to stop practicing black magic and sorcery
Stop arson attacks
Stop calling out filth in public neighborhoods
Stop political party leaders making false statements
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