A couple on nights ago we had dinner with a group of reporters from Minivan News. Despite the fact that the name means freedom in dhivehi, the news service is rather biased toward the main opposition party and its candidate, Anni. Because of this much of the discussion revolved arround how crazy President Gayoom is.
While they may not be following the best practices of journalism, I would have to say that the president made some crazy statements this week. First of all he has declared all of his political opponents official liars, and has published an official list. Apparently he does not realize that in politics you respond to you opponents accusations instead of just calling them immoral.
The president did take the historic action of setting a date for constitutional ratification. He will ratify the constitiution on August 7th... after he sends it back to parliment to correct the grammar. This statement comes afther the government of the EU threatened to withdraw aid if the government didn't move toward the election with more speed. The president responded basically by telling the EU that he dosn't need them and, to stay out of his business.
Another interesting fact: in recent press conferences the president's eyes have looked glazed and unfocsed. It is possible that he may be in bad health, and on heavy medication.
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