A look into prominent figures, past and present, moulding the Maldives’ current socio-political landscape in the parliament.
Since 2008’s monumental change in the course of Maldivian history, when the nation first began moving towards adopting a modern democracy, our political and social landscape has been remodelled by various amendments. The most notable of changes made to the constitution resulted in the separation of powers; a preventative measure of “checks and balances” to counteract unaccountable power to avoid autocracy.
In Maldives, as with many other nations, administrative power is divided into legislature, executive and judiciary.
The parliament, which is referred locally as the People’s Majlis, is the supreme legislative authority of Maldives. Once elected, the Majlis convenes its members over five-year terms to enact, amend, revise and abolish laws. Such powers are not limited to laws outside the constitution, as a bill passed by three-quarters majority vote within the Majlis and written assent from the President can effectively amend even the most important contract in the nation.
Maldives’ unicameral (singular legislative chamber) parliament is currently in its 18th term, instated in May 2014 and comprised of 85 elected members respectively for each constituency. The number of total members, however, is susceptible to change, evidenced by the Election Commission's announcement of an additional two seats in time for the upcoming elections as recently as January 2019.
Parliamentarians are tasked with shaping the socio-political landscape of Maldives. They are mandated during their tenure to guide all decisions by keeping national interest and public welfare at the forefront, representing not only the wishes of respective constituents but the fate of the entire nation.
It is then the responsibility of citizens, to pay close attention to respective parliamentary representatives, holding them accountable, as they make decisions that directly affect the lives of ordinary Maldivians.
With that in mind, this writer will take a look at six notable figures that have contributed a notable service to the Parliament across the last few decades.
Moomina Haleem was the very first female elected MP, voted in for the position during former President Ibrahim Nasir’s administration. At the time, Moomina was the only woman in parliament and continuing in her service for six years.
The current Minister of Tourism, Ali Waheed, was once the youngest Member of Parliament in Maldivian history. He was elected at the age of 24 in 2009 on Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP)’s ticket, but has since crossed floors to Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).
Campaigning as a candidate for MDP, Eva Abdulla was first elected as a lawmaker representing the Galolhu North constituency in 2009. She is the first Maldivian to be elected as a member of the Committee of Women Parliamentarians of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
A lawyer by profession and currently serving his second term as an elected member of Parliament, Imthiyaz Fahmy represents MDP for North Maafannu constituency. He is noted for his transparency and refusal to accept bribes. The parliamentarian is the former deputy leader of MDP's parliamentary group and Spokesperson for the party.
Mohamed Saeed Didi, son of renowned Maldivian poet, writer, essayist and scholar Hussain Salahuddin, represented Addu under the first constitution of 1932. He spent considerable time in Meedhoo, Addu Atoll (a historical 'nucleus' stemming contributions in various legal aspects to the country), pursuing his own studies after his father had returned from the island.
Renowned religious scholar, Dr Afrasheem Ali represented Ungoofaaru, Raa Atoll constituency, in the 17th People’s Majilis. Known for his stance as an Islamic moderate, Dr Afrasheem also served as the Parliament's member of Judicial Services Commission (JSC) until 2011.
His controversial murder in 2012 within the premises of his home highlighted the growing rate of religious extremism in the country.
Additionally, deserving a special mention on this list:
The first daughter of Faamudheyri Kilegefaanu, Fatima Ibrahim Didi, served as the first female President of the Senate. She held the position during President Mohamed Amin Didi’s administration between 1953-1954 and was a well-known political figure fluent in Arabic, Sinhalese and Dhivehi.
With the election of a new parliament drawing closer, discussions regarding candidates are vital to achieving accurate representation in lawmaking by voting-in candidates who reflect the best of our ethics, ideals and values.
In this regard, it is important to celebrate milestones in the advancement and development of our democratic process.
Identifying and acknowledging notable figures and remembering their performance within the Parliament could well be an indicator that not only provides clarity for (perhaps rightly) perplexed individuals teetering on critical voting decisions, but one that inspires aspirations to a greater set of ideals for all.