The Unsealed Ballot Box of the Maldives (click above)
Let all Americans take the process of voting as seriously as these people who valued the election of a government that was benevolent to them.
Elections Then:
Maldives: elections are held (click on)
05:39 2005-01-23
Police arrested 20 opposition party supporters during the Maldives' parliamentary election Saturday, a vote critics denounced as rigged, accusing the government of linking aid for tsunami survivors to favorable votes.
The archipelago nation held the elections three weeks late, a postponement caused by the Dec. 26 tsunami, which killed at least 82 people in the Maldives and crushed homes and businesses nationwide.
In the absence of a multiparty system, nearly 150 individual candidates contested the vote for parliament's 42 seats in the island chain, where the president, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, has ruled with an iron first since 1978.
Government spokesman Mohamed Shareef said the detainees were supporters of the exiled opposition Maldives Democratic Party who tried to take a videocamera into a polling booth in violation of election rules.
Voters in the Maldives have cast their ballots in a general election postponed as a result of last month's tsunami.
No political parties are allowed and nearly 150 candidates stood as independents for the 42-seat assembly.
Reformist candidates have complained of irregularities, including allegations that the government threatened voters with withholding reconstruction aid, tells BBC News.
Elections to Come:
Maldives - News Archive (click on)
2008 Presidential Election in Maldives to be Multi-Party says President
Posted: 03/12/2006The Maldivian government has promised a multi-party election in 2008 when the country goes to polls to choose its next president. As part of the roadmap proposed by President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom on March 12, target dates will be drawn up for the next three years. This move is part of the democratic political reforms promised by President Gayoom and comes after a decision was made last year to allow political parties to register.
Source: ElectionGuide
Take your voting seriously. Make decisions that will bring back to the USA a government that inspires the world through democratic principles. Realize that actions speak louder than words and when other peoples are inspired toward democracy the greater international community insures it happens.
Democracy happens in a country as it's populous matures and comes to terms with the concept of people being responsible for the outcomes of government that affects their lives and the lives of their children. When people find a lack of truncation to the future through elections they have a far greater sense of hope about life. Joy and happiness take on different characteristics from the 'here and now' to benevolence of a heritage granted to future generations. Elections are huge and should never be toyed with by men or women seeking power for the sake of power over a reality that a populous has entrusted 'the promise' their 'hope' is to bring them in benevolence toward themselves and their children.
In reality what is a single vote except an effort to bring leverage over power. A country is a powerful entity with fiscal resources and a will. That will is expressed in the leadership and it's resultant policies. When all the votes are counted a single vote can make a decision that impacts not only the electorate but the community in which they live that have no power to influence the decisions of that leadership.
Never vote in fear. Vote in confidence. The truth will bring that confidence to decision making and wise choices in elections. Demand honest answers from candidates, research your choices and make that decision count with effective, uncorrupt balloting.
Elections, voting is not an illusion; it is the essence of democracy. Let's bring leadership back to the USA that will bring back the admiration of the world and not it's fear.
I am counting on you.
Earth is counting on you.
Peace is counting on you.
Vote. Make a decision and know that decision will translate in one way or another over the next few weeks. I trust all of you. Do the right thing. Take citizenship seriously.
I'll return to the 'usual' review of the news next week. I appreciate your interest in this expression of hope. Thank you.
