Seeing the President

The country is now a large step closer to getting the constitution ratified and having the election. The president signed two pieces of landmark legislation today: the police bill and the umbrella bill. These bills will specify exactly what is illegal in the country, and make sure the police have power. Before this bill there was no specific piece of legislation creating a government sanctioned police force, or laws specifically forbidding things like murder (although strict Muslim law is enforced). Passing these pieces of supporting legislation was an absolute prerequisite to the ratification of the constitution which is supposed to take place at the end of this week. This was the first event where I saw President Gayoom in person. He often shakes everyone's hand afterwards, but unfortunately didn't this time. At least I got to see the president and witness his news conference.