Today is another important date in the parliamentary history of the Maldives. It is the day for electing MPs for the next five years. As the right to vote is guaranteed by the Constitution to all citizens, voters bear a greater responsibility than the candidates.
It is the candidate who wins today's election that will advocate on matters of their constituency for the next five years. It is the candidate who wins today's vote who will have to advocate on behalf of citizens as their representative.
I headed to vote at the Henveiru stadium this morning assuming that this is how most people would see the election, that most people would think that the power and responsibility of voters would be greater than that of the candidates. I hoped that the fourth parliamentary elections under the new Constitution would be different from previous elections.
But before I reached the gate of the Henveiru stadium after parking my motorcycle, what I heard from the people gathered there was alien to the notion of democracy.
"Say, how much for an ID card?"
"Send account number, I'm transferring."
"Transfer quickly, here's the ID card."
The filthy acts of buying and selling votes were talked about openly without any shame at the area with polling stations for the people of many atolls. I heard talk of account numbers, ID cards and cash.
I saw that this was "normal" because none of the many people in the area said anything against it. Things have not changed from five years ago, 10 years ago or 15 years ago, I became certain as I cast my ballot into the box. But this wasn't "normal" for me.
It's true. The passion for politics has faded. Confidence in the political system among the public has diminished. The perception of parties and candidates has changed.
The people who buy votes do not know how to gain the public's support in any other way. They are not able to propose a policy that would benefit the public. Conducting a proper campaign within democratic norms is not something they know. What they offer instead is the red banknote. As a consequence, instead of voting for policies, a culture of voting for jobs, money, bribes and influence has become entrenched in the Maldives.
The only way to stop this is to completely give up the thought of selling votes. It is madness to sell the next five years for MVR 5,000 today. At the rate of MVR 1,000 per year, you are selling a vote for a five-year term for less than MVR 3 per day.
MPs selling out for millions is not a reason for you to stoop to that level. There's no reason to sell your vote so cheaply and to cast your ballot after standing in a long queue. Your value should be higher than that. Voting is a trust placed in you.
The 20th People's Majlis, too, will shape the country's future. It will be the place where this country's budget and laws for the next five years will be passed. Making decisions based on money in electing MPs would only encourage them to act the same.
Only voters can end the culture of influencing the vote with money. Do not ask candidates for money. Have the courage to say no to money. Consider policies and track records before voting. Do not forget that MPs are elected to represent the public.
