Clearing misconceptions

Democracy and party system brought many changes to our society. Some of the changes we expected some we didn’t. Some of the changes that are favorable and some that is not. Some of the changes which were easier for us to get accustomed to, some not so much. The pros and cons so to say, of the political changes we see today are many. Whether the pros outweigh cons or wise verse; is impossible to decide objectively.

Among many things the recent parliamentary election results revealed, one of the main revelations is that the people have accepted the party system and that there are two major political parties in the Country.

At this stage here are some misconceptions now we can clear with the short experience we have in democracy and party politics.

Misconception 1: If the ruling party does not win a majority in the parliament, the government will fall.

In a presidential system of government it is not necessary to have a majority in the parliament for the ruling party to run the government. The impeachment of the president is not an act or a result of the ruling party not having a majority in the parliament. The president under the constitution can be impeached only under three conditions, when two-third of the parliament agrees on the issue. Just a simple fact that the two-third of the parliament does not approve of the president or is not from the same party alone is not a valid reason to impeach the president under the constitution.

Misconception 2: Having too many political parties is not healthy for a small society like Maldives.

Now we know that no matter how many political parties are registered at the Elections Commission, only two or three can gain and win the required support of the public, which is vital for effective functioning of any political party. Therefore, no matter how many parties are registered, if an overwhelming support is not received, that party is equivalent of not having registered at all.

Misconception 3: Political appointees and Civil Servants are two sides of the same coin.

With time and experience we are now able to win the trust and support of the each other, and are proving that they are in fact part of the same drawing board and will have to work together as a team.

These are just a few misconceptions that are spread across people and communities. There are many more that we can clear now and as well as the time goes with experience. Some misconceptions are spread purposely to misinform public to gain a political advantage during a specific point of time, some misconceptions are stereotypic beliefs that are generalized; and some misconceptions are due to our lack of experience and education.