Simmering discontent among the Maldivians is evident from the intensity of protests for reforms in the Archipelago. An inherent feeling of insecurity was also palpable in the way the Maldivian government cracked down on the protests and emergency imposed on 13 August. The frequency of both these antithetical muscle flexing has increased in the past few years. But, what is certain is that the opposition forces, which are pressing for wide-ranging political reforms in the Island, are growing in strength, both inside and outside the country. What are the undercurrents? Why is there so much discontent among the people against the government?

The Political System

Since its independence from the British in 1965, the Maldives ruled by what is known as a "unique democracy" in which there is only one party; and neither opposition nor dissidence is tolerated. This model of governance has been sustained by its rulers drawing inspiration from the 'Lee Thesis', which asserts that "liberal democracy is antithetical to development". Is this the reason for the Maldivians being the richest nation in the South Asian region? Partly true. Gayoom, in his 25 years of unshaken reign, has transformed the lives of the Maldivians. But, it is not true that development of the Island was only due to the dictatorial political system. The economic statistics, for instance, suggest that a chunk of the revenues (20 percent of the GDP and 60 percent of foreign exchange) comes from tourism, which is independent of the political system. The 'coral curtain', however, has kept the Maldivians in isolation from international exposure. The media is state controlled; access to internet is restricted; citizens visiting abroad are briefed and de-briefed comprehensively. Due to censorship the outside world does not know about internal happenings.

Concentration of Powers

What currently threaten President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, Asia's longest serving leader, are the wide-ranging powers vested in him. In addition to being head of state, Gayoom is also, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and of the Police, Minister of Defence and National Security, Minister of Finance and Treasury, and Governor of Maldives Monetary Authority. Gayoom is also empowered to appoint the Cabinet and one-sixth of the Parliament (Majlis), and the "supreme authority to propagate the tenets of Islam." President Gayoom also control over the judiciaryâ€â€