Thimarafushi not yet conducive for voting – Gassan

Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009

As the parliamentary election approaches in Thaa Thimarafushi region, for the second time, and despite Election Commission officials having visited the island to ensure a peaceful and calm atmosphere sitable for free and fair voting, candidate of the main opposition party, Dhivehi Rahyithunge Party (DRP), Gassan Maumoon , son of former President Gayoom, has said that the present atmosphere in Thimafarafushi is not conducive for free or fair voting. Gassan made the statement speaking on Dhi TV.

Gassan speaking on a Dhi FM show said even though such a peaceful atmosphere may have existed when election commission were present at Thimarafushi, there is always the chance for things to revert to what it was when elections were initially held on 9 May this year.

He said it was imperative that election commission members and a large number of police officers remain on the island to ensure peaceful and calm voting as well as to prevent any irregularities.

“We are receiving updates on Thimarafushi conditions by the minute, as we lot friends there, we have not received any official word from Election Commission regarding their recent visit to Thimarafushi, neither me nor my campaign agent have received anything as yet, I do not understand why election commission officials did not stay in the island that night, according to information I have received, immediately after the they finished meeting the people that night, there was some unrest; I have received information that some people tried to stir up trouble and even shouted defamatory words at commission members; but these things can only be confirmed when I get an official response from the commission; I am certain the atmosphere at Thimarafushi , at present , is not conducive for peaceful or fair voting ; as this story has made media headlines, it is quite possible that the islanders had an impromptu meeting and asked every body to remain quiet and calm; there is always the chance that this could be something like that” Gassan said.

Gassan said during when commission members met Island Development Committee, one of them informed the commission of the actual status of the island. Consequently, the cycle belonging to the person who told the truth has been destroyed.

“In addition , in a coffee house, statements given at High Court are posted, what kind of steps to be taken against these people, what should be done to them, what kind threat to be given, its all written there, the atmosphere is once again deteriorating as voting approaches” Gassan explained.

Gassan further said even though his campaign is on going, he has not been given the opportunity to hold a rally in the island. He said he has asked for island’s Social Center to be given for a rally last Friday but did not receive any response.

“The objective of the influences in Thimarafushi is to prevent Gassan passing his message to the people; to hear my message is a right of Thimarafushi people, whether the support me or not, the people of Thimarafushi do not have this right” Gaasan said.

Referring to MDP candidate Mohamed Mustafa as Mustafa brother, Gassan said he bears no grudge against Mustafa. He said he was referring to Mustafa as brother not because of any family ties but simply because Mustafa was older than him and out of respect.

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