Says Umar Naseer, “It would have been competitive had Gayoom left an even ground” for party leaders’ election; Assures a DRP led government

Newly elected Deputy Leader of the main opposition Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) Umar Naseer shared his frank views with the Asian Tribune on bringing a DRP led president in 2013, his take on strengthening internal democracy adding however that ex-leader Gayoom could have left “an even ground” for the leadership battle, without endorsing Thasmeen, ahead of the election last week.

Umar disbanded his own political party, the IDP, where he was the leader, last month, then joined the DRP and won the post of Deputy Leader at its congress that concluded last week.

Though his victory was seemingly sudden, Umar said he worked hard after his defeat at the 2008 presidential election for the DRP’s betterment adding that he was glad his hard work was finally paid-off.

Despite his love for the party and his intention of seeing a DRP led government, Umar did not beat about the bush over certain loopholes within the DRP.

Although the party’s charter says that its leader will by default become the party’s presidential candidate, Umar believes it needs to be changed.

Party primaries should decide on the presidential contestant, Umar emphasized despite a resolution to this effect that he proposed at the party’s annual congress was defeated.
Last month, former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom quit from politics and also the leadership of the DRP, endorsing Thasmeen Ali to be the new leader of the party.

But critics then opined that Gayoom’s endorsement indirectly influenced the election to the party leadership, as no one stood against Thasmeen – largely seen as a Gayoom favourite. Consequently, Thasmeen became the leader of the DRP, uncontested.

Umar also agreed with critics saying Gayoom’s “endorsement tipped the balance towards Thasmeen and as a result no body wanted to compete.”

“It would have been competitive had HEP Gayyoom left an even ground,” Umar noted.

Following are excerpts:

Asian Tribune : It has been barely a month since you dissolved your own party -- the Islamic Democratic Party,--then joined the main Opposition DRP and you were able rise to the high post of one of the four deputy leaders. How do you feel about it?

Umar Naseer: I am very happy that DRP members had given me a vote of confidence inspite of my short services to DRP. However, my services to the opposition in general over the past 14 months have played a major role in this election. After the defeat in the presidential election, I helped DRP to revive and hope to help DRP in making a come back.

Asian Tribune: You were able to beat DRP key office bearers like the party registrar Saleem and DRP General Secretary Dr. Mausoom in winning election for the post of deputy leader. What factors do you think contributed to your victory?

Umar Naseer: No doubt that these people are very important and key figures of DRP and their services is very important for DRP in the future. My success over them was due to the fact that DRP needed an active man which was the missing piece in this DRP’s jigsaw puzzle.

Asian Tribune: Do you think your financial capabilities helped you win the post?

Umar Naseer: Not at all. In fact I didn’t spent any money, didn’t print a poster. I relied completely on my previous records and small group meetings, explaining the concept of ‘DRP back to Government’ I even didn’t ask anyone to vote for me but rather asked everyone to vote for a primary first.

Asian Tribune: The Article 73 (a) of the DRP charter says the party president will by default become the candidate in the presidential elections. But don’t you think holding primaries to choose the party’s presidential candidate is democratic? If a party’s democracy is threatened, don’t you think rules need to be changed accordingly?

Umar Naseer: DRP must change its rule in the future to hold a primary. This will strengthen our internal democracy and pave way for more leaders to join in. We must keep our doors open for interested presidential candidates to come in and compete for the top ticket. If we close our doors we will be weakened.

Asian Tribune: The ruling MDP has criticized the lack of internal democracy within the opposition DRP over not holding a primary to choose the presidential candidate. Foreign Minister Dr. Ahmed Shaheed has said the DRP’s “clan-style” decision making is not going to help the party. Your comment?

Umar Naseer: This is not ‘clan style’. In fact choosing a leader from the Congress is also a democratic process but NOT in presidential systems.

Asian Tribune: Your party’s decision to disband the IDP has been rejected by the Elections Commission saying party regulations have been violated in the process and now the matter is set to be solved in the High Court. What do you think would be the fate of the IDP?

Umar Naseer: I have no doubt that the High Court will disband IDP. IDP congress has already passed a resolution to disband the party. There is no future for small parties any more in Maldives politics.

Asian Tribune:If you indeed wanted to serve the people as a politician, why couldn’t you do it through your own party without joining the DRP?

Umar Naseer: DRP is a much bigger platform and if you want to be on mainstream politics you have choose either DRP or MDP today. We have to accept this as a fact.

Asian Tribune:Critics say that DRP’s new leader Thasmeen does not have the same charisma and the appeal of his predecessor Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and with the latter’s decision to retire from politics, the party’s unity is now threatened. What is your response to these critics?

Umar Naseer: I am sure Thasmeen will live upto to the expectation and by 2013 he will lead this come back. Let’s give him some time.

Asian Tribune: Quitting from the party leadership, former president Gayoom endorsed Thasmeen to be the new leader last month. But political analysts opine Gayoom’s endorsement indirectly prevented anyone from standing against Thasmeen to run for the party’s top post hence the latter became the sole candidate, finally becoming the leader, uncontest. Do you think Gayoom’s early endorsement of Thasmeen barred a healthy competition to the party leadership?

Umar Naseer:This endorsement tipped the balance towards Thasmeen and as a result no body wanted to compete. It would have been competitive had HEP Gayyoom left an even ground.

Asian Tribune:You have mentioned that bringing the DRP back to power is your main target. Could you elaborate on its strategy?

Umar Naseer: Now it is very clear the MDP has failed to deliver anything, other than false promises. DRP must immediately capitalize on this and show unity, stability and leadership to gain the trust of the public as the undisputed care taker of the people with capacity to lead the country out of difficult situation. I am sure HEP Mohamed Nasheed will be forced to resign by his own party members since he has destroyed our economy within the past 14 months.

- Asian Tribune -