Bodu Vaahaka

We have had two lovely days of sunshine, and it was really the sunny side of life... of course, I knew it couldn't last. And now, in the wee hours of the morning, it rains. I wonder what the forecast is regarding tonight's show...
So I'm extremely bored but I can't sleep... I feel like blogging.. and the only thing worth talking about these few days has been the great debate. Y'all in Maldives know what I'm talking about. I think the whole thing is a little silly though, as they haven't even officially become candidates yet. Counting eggies much?
So firstly... I've found this blog that I now love... this is first sight, folks. Lol.. seriously, you must check this out. The siyaasee map of the year!

I'm not massively into politics but I couldn't miss this, and I'm not a fan of apathy either, firm believer that years of people fighting for the right to vote should not be treated with disrespect... thus I gave in and joined the lot!
Anyway so my verdict is... hoping not to get too long and boring;

Anni - Someone needs to tell him that when you sit down on a chair, you do not have to keep your coat buttoned. It was tight all over your shoulders and you reminded me very much of the Hunchback of Notre Dame. I'm sorry about the pope-ish indications there, but I suppose it's all very fitting. His facial expressions have become noticeably less clownish (which I feel everyone should appreciate and congratulate, even), however it does not make you less of a clown. He is right however, we do need a 'siyaasath' however, I feel that he is more of an activist than a political leader. Figurehead maybe, but a head of a nation? Lets not get too 'ahead' of ourselves now, shall we?

Umar - He was excellent, very passionate and very excited too (which in retrospect is a little creepy) ... Nonetheless he had my full attention, and proved that if nothing else, he is obviously a talented orator. However, when you started talking about 'effas kurun' and all that nonsense, the pettiness showed through. Reality, and common sense - seemed lacking.

Ibra - The most interesting thing about this man, was his tie. I understand that by comparing him to Roosevelt, I may be making a seriously politically incorrect statement, however I cannot help but do so. Correct me if I'm wrong, but from what I understand he kept his disability a secret, and the image of him as a cripple was generally not accepted in USA even after his death. Also, the reasoning behind the secrecy seems to be that, generally anyway, at the time, US was a very vulnerable, weakened nation which was in need of a fearless leader and the image of a strong man, was essential for the nation's morale. Maldives might still be above sea level in physical terms, but we are now sinking with the weight of our troubles. Our leader may not have a physically strong presence I don't have ANY issues with that but I do think, that what is lacking in those terms needs to be met with a strong presence, passion and confidence. I think that failed to show through. Personally, I agree with a lot of his statements but I don't think he convinced me he had the spirit in him to leader our nation up that winding road.

Gasim - I expected a lot better. His arguments were sound, but they seemed to come from elsewhere. He was nervous, and intimidated. I don't blame him for being so, it would all seem foreign to him I expect... However, this was an important appearance for him to make and I think he could have done a far better job of it than he did. When he spoke from his heart it seemed genuine, once he started reading points, it all fell apart. Also dude, loose the pencil next time.

Hasan Saeed - Is the reason that a man like Anni can never make it to the top. This is the difference between an educated, intelligent man... and a man controlled by impulse. That being said... there's a lot of shadiness behind this fella... I think his whole rise to fame thing reeks of disrespect and manipulation and a lack of professionalism. Did you see Hasanu turning Golhaa away whilst he was attempting to do his 'Ima Big Man' thing and see everyone off as if he had been the host or something? Like firumaali as if Golhaa was some pathetic Granpa type of beggar dude, which was sooo PAKAAAAAAAAS!

Golhaa (Gayyoom)- Don't you just love this guy? First he picked out the No.1 with the guruathulun and was all LOL vefa... Kekekeke *abadhahves hama evvana!* And then *GIGGLE* for possibly the first time (publicly anyway!) in THIRTY YEARS, we got to see him all sulky and pissy and seriously fuckfaced!...On a stronger note though, we understand that you must mention all you've achieved but it would be refreshing to hear you say something meaningful. I think everybody understands that big changes take time, but 30 years is beyond excusable. Lol, and then Golhaa tried to be all big man seeing off every one afterwards, that is, until Hasanthakuru did his lil thaaaang! Funn-eee!

So thats that. My thoughts on the matter... The debate was fun to watch with family I must say, everyone had their own different view and all... very different theme to family gathering I must say. I did have an interesting argument with my cousin however. She argues that one candidate mistreats his wife and no self respecting woman would vote for him. I say, well not that any of that is our business but from that particular perspective, I don't think polygamy is a great example either (this would be regarding her choice of candidate) ... not that I put abuse and polygamy in the same category but, neither are an indication of where I want the women of Maldives to stand. My aunt also made a point out of the fact that she didn't want the first lady to be a foreigner! Ridiculous!

But really, WHO WOULD THE INDEPENDANT, EDUCATED and EMPOWERED WOMAN vote for? There are a fair amount of women who can be described in those terms today, certainly, however the majority of women this country churns out are not fashioned as the next leaders of our country, rather, the closest possible ambition seems to be the first lady! This idea is to say the least, extremely disturbing! What does it matter whether she is a foreigner or not! Sonia Gandhi is an excellent example for women in India to follow by; although she isn't Indian, she manages to incorporate the best of their values and the way I see it, is a great political figurehead for their country. My point is, less focus on the first lady and more on, perhaps the women chosen to stand by the candidates, if at all. The idea is a woman in a leading position, not as a useless post like Gender Ministry which is an unheard of title where the rest of the world is concerned and is basically an poor excuse to have a female cabinet member. More women in roles we havent seen before, women to be respected, not for men to ridicule at their market hotaa coffees and such. I don't think there is a candidate with any indication of this quality, a quality that I am greatly concerned with, not because I am a die-hard feminist, because I'm a woman with ambitions that extend further than a cutting board!

Now I have nothing against housewives and stay-at-home mothers, being a child of two working parents I have great admiration (and fondness!) for those who devote their time to the proper upbringing of their children and management of their respect households. I am just saying that should not be the only thing in life we aspire to do. I think it is still all that is expected of women and many feel obligated to do so, foregoing their own hopes and dreams and that is, truly tragic. Being a fulltime wife and mom is a difficult, taxing job that is often little appreciated and hardly ever rewarding. It would be wonderful, if all the 'under twenty five years old' women used their god given ability to reason and perhaps consider the invaluable input they could make towards this country and themselves as individuals by realising their dreams and making that much of a change, by giving their all for as long as they can, before they start the infamous struggle to balance and 'have it all'. It would be even better if we had the proper systems in place to better amplify the importance of our options.

It is a turning point in this nation, and we need a leader who above all, truly embodies the potential of our country, who is brimming with passion and smarts, and simultaneosly has his feet firmly on the ground, knowing that what matters above all is not the grandeur of flamboyant promises, successfully using of these essential qualities as best suits the women, just as much as the men and the children of our nation.

*breathes out - whoooosh!*
Safe to say I dissed the whole long and boring mid way eh? Oh well..