In these post-pandemic years and after more than a decade of what was supposed to be the dawn of real democracy with the new Constitution of 2008, it is painfully obvious that the dreams and aspirations of Maldivians are slowly passing us by.
The political institutions that were crafted, ever so diligently, with much study and assistance from learned sources, have not shown to work for the betterment of the people.
Those who, in brought daylight, stole billions from the state coffers remain at large and continue to influence the political process, despite ‘the best effort’ of fully funded state institutions with necessary legislative muscle, formed specifically to achieve thus.
Gruesome murders and kidnappings have gone unpunished, even after politicians have used the meting out of justice to these very crimes, as one of their premium campaign promises.
The country and its future is caught in the nexus of a geo-political mud-fest, and the present rank of politicians can only offer a Faustian choice, none that’ll maintain a sliver of national dignity and territorial integrity.
The National Economy, even before the pandemic, has been in dire straits and the country has seen it’s sovereign ratings downgraded, even while politicians rush to offer bigger, grander promises that will remain unfunded and therefore a source of dismay and disappointment.
Meanwhile lack of economic opportunities with limited employment options, have created the ‘justification’ in the minds of many, steering them towards a duality of ‘corruption or crime’ as the only possible means of getting along and getting ahead. Meanwhile, the old adages of resorting to ‘sweat and toil’ is seen and old tired and completely ineffective .
Underfunded services, accompanied with the grandest of manifesto promises, result in the aspirations of youth not being met half-way, the protection of women, the elderly, and the young in dire straits with accompanying disillusionment of the entire voting population.
The pendulum of power has shifted between the two major political affiliations but the dismay and discontentment continue to burgeon.
This nation of god given beauty and natural richness, deserve more than being caught between the un-quenchable thirst and greed of the two dominant political parties.
It is now painfully obvious, that the country needs and deserves a Third Alternative.