Richard Branson On The Maldives (Elections Please)

Photo by Alex Comerford.

For what it’s worth, Richard Branson has written/blogged a letter to the coup-installed President of the Maldives. It’s a letter written in a personal capacity, so read it and think about it. I think it makes sense, but I give more weight to the ongoing protests in the Maldives, demanding elections. The Maldives had an elected government that was overthrown by force. Now they’re trying to peacefully demand democracy back.

Here’s some of the letter:

Forgive me for finding it completely astounding that you have been part of an overthrow of a democratically elected government that has effectively let the old regime back into power. From knowing you, I would assume that you were given no choice and that it was through threats that you have ended up in this position.

Anyway, I do very much hope that was the case rather than you doing it of your own free will. With the world moving towards democracies, how dreadful it is to see the beautiful Maldives moving in the opposite direction.

As interim President, you are in a position to do the right thing. We beg you to make sure that there are fair and free elections held this year, as the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group have called for. I look forward to renewing our friendship after those elections. (virgin.com)

So, yeah. Elections please.

Posted on Saturday, February 25th, 2012 in International, Maldives, Politics.

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