Mohamed Ameen Dabhelia – 2017/02/22

When you think of the Maldives, you think beaches, villas and ‘mocktails. Well, think again, it seems ‘politics’ has played its hand even in one of the most serene and beautiful places in the world.

The Parliament in the Maldives has approved a 30-day extension of a state of emergency sought by President Abdulla Yameen who cited an ongoing national security threat and constitutional crisis.

Yameen imposed the emergency to annul a Supreme Court ruling that quashed the convictions of nine opposition leaders and ordered his government to free those held in prison.

Radio Islam unpacked this with reporter Aisha Hussein, who says ‘things have not changed drastically’ for Maldivian people.

“Maldivian people have not had the best life so to speak, so there’s no difference with or without the emergency.”

However, Hussein says the rights of people have been suspended.

“People are now more fearful to be critical of the government.”

Hussein adds that the tourism industry will be affected as hotel bookings have been cancelled daily since the 15-day emergency was imposed on February 5th despite government assurances that all is normal in the resort islands, which are far from the capital.

President Yameen took power in 2013 and many claim that his recent moves aim to consolidate power ahead of an election this year.