After that point things began to take a different course with political bikering and street protest becoming a norm of everyday life. Yet, some people like me still wish to question – was it really a coup? I doubt very much. My reason is, in coups the rulers will be overthrown from power and put into dungeons. That did not happen here. Nasheed was not forcefully removed but he resigned as everyone would agree. Whether it happened under pressure or as a result of coercision is a different matter. He knows better the reason behind it.
As a matter of fact, as far as its definition is concerned, a ruler has to be removed from power against his will and some planning of power transition will be involved. But we did not see that. We saw the Vice President, next in line of presidency, taking over and him pleading with different people to fill his cabinet posts. There was not even a full changeover. Most of the diplomats and political appointees retained their posts. So, what was planned after the coup? Who is to benefit from this?
Of course, what happened on 7th February is quite murky, especially when the words of the former president is self contradictory. We have realised that most narratives told by Mr Nasheed was fabricated or to dodge his responsibility from what had happened that day. This is why we need an impartial investigation. What surprises me most is, Nasheed ostensibly does not call for such an investigation – what he only wants is an election. Again this makes me doubt more that a coup has taken place.
Anyway, even if a transition of power took place as a result of coercision or he resigned under duress, it will be better describe as a revolution rather than a coup. Given these facts, it is a pity that many educated young men and women are lost in delirium and, not knowing giving a serious thought about it, just parroting after a person who is deliberately hiding the very truth from us. If this condition of our youth is to repeat, what hope do we have for democracy and justice to prosper in this country?
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1 comments: on "Is it really a coup?"
On the morning on 7th February we saw President Nasheed beseeching police officers to protect him and his family's lives. A president should not have to ask anybody this, especially not to police
, but this was the situation that was recorded in the republic square.
Subsequently we saw Nasheed's political opposition admitting that Nasheed's life was in danger that day, and that he could not have survived had he not resigned. We also saw coalition members admitting inside the police headquarters that they had considered using the security forces to bring about military rule.
This is hard evidence that Nasheed was forced out. What the Maldivian people are asking for is an indenpendent inquiry and elections in order to established what really occured that day and to find out the public's choice. But the coalition is refusing to do this as well, which further indicates from their part an interest to hide what really happened that day.
So yeah, the cards are with Nasheed right now. Forcing a President to resign with threat of violence is illegal, and it is a coup by all definitions.
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