(We are all machines. Slaves of the system. Only when we free our minds can we free our selves)

This is an email a friend of mine sent to a friend who was abroad in September 1998. Because of the fear of being persecuted if the email was discovered, the writer masked his messages through a good dose of sarcasm. During that time the National Security Service of Maldives did not have the capacity that the police have today in tapping mobile phones and intruding into internet communications. However, my friend, being cautious, explained what was happening in the country without writing anything that could be a direct criticism.

That was 1998 and the height of propaganda by the regime because it was an election year. People had little choice but to practice self-censorship. The rest of the world still thought the Maldives was the paradise on post cards.

Marking the 30th anniversary of the Republic was a ploy to immerse the public in fun and games and distract them from real politics as the presidential election was approaching. The celebrations were also a disguised form of election campaign for Gayoom. This email gives an excellent insight into the massive scale the government machinery is deployed to run the propaganda and to what extent public funds are used to prepare for such election campaigns.

As another election year is approaching, it is a good time to contemplate on what would be done by the regime to dupe the voters. Will there be more promises of harbours, stadiums and schools for islands? Will there be another celebration, this time the 40th anniversary of the Republic?

This email also proves that the regime in power meticulously plans events and that it should never be underestimated. Bringing more generators to STELCO is just one such example.

This time the most populated areas of Maldives are unlikely to join a decoy celebration as the one held in 1998. However, it will be wise to have eyes and ears open for election year surprises, as Dictator Gayoom completes thirty years in power, and most probably attempts to steal another election.

And what a night it is. The temperature is very low, of course not lower than what you experience there, and light showers are occasionally soaking everybody out in the streets. Normally people would have preferred to be in the shelter and warmth of their homes, watch TV and go to sleep in such nights. But sleep would not come to the citizens of Male’ so easily tonight. Children, adults and elderly people crowded different locations of Male’ to dance to and listen to the music. The music of Jumhooree Thirees.

We are almost reaching the end of the Jumhooree Haftha, a special week to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the proclamation of the second republic in Maldives. And what a week it is. People in Maldives had decorated their homes and streets with flickering lights, flags, banners, and logos. It wouldn’t be exaggerating if I say that no street in Male’ is without flags, pieces of cloth and lights. The avashu offices distributed lights free to some extent and even sold them. They also supplied flags. Some avashu offices also distributed tapes of patriotic songs. The events started as a trickle and then slowly it gathered speed until it became a wild flood.

People started decorating as if they are competing with one another. People did not want their houses to be dull than the neighbours. Children joined the race with joy and delight. Businessmen supplied money for the process, but people were prepared to pay from their own pockets as well.

Special events were held throughout the country to celebrate. Sports events and stage shows. Weight lifting, hot dog eating, you name it. Airports Authority staff swimming from Hulhule’ to Male’. Dhiraagu issuing a special phone card and presenting it to our beloved president. Dinner nights organised by different parties held on the streets. Free dinner in Viligili after collecting money from the people in the island. Bashi matches and other sports events in other islands. Stage shows in the New Harbour Area, in the recently opened Artificial beach, and even in the airport. And there are multiple micro stages in several areas. You can get the permission from the avashu office, block the road, set up a stage at night, and have your favourite kind of entertainment, whether boduberu or more modern types of music. A large street was turned into a disco, with dancers on the street swaying to the rhythm of the blaring music. Households played their favourite songs loudly. It was possible to hear the tune of Celine Dion’s My Heart Will Go On, Ali Rameez’s Shabab and Elisha’s Laila, all in one narrow road of Male’ at the same time. The fun continues past midnight and small children in the homes cannot sleep. But this is once in a lifetime situation and the enjoyment is far greater than the few disadvantages.

Kuda Nevi Abbas reports in the local daily Aafathis that this is a record highest usage of electricity in Male’ with the daily consumption reaching 11.8 megawatts. We have heard that the maximum possible capacity is 12 megawatts and that is also because a new high voltage generator has been brought a few weeks before the jumhooree Hafatha, not of course for it. STELCO, the electric company, has urged people not to use high voltage floodlights if possible. Some people have decorated places with flood lights as well.

The other islands are also spending a lot to make this patriotic occasion meaningful. Thousands of rufiyaa are being spent from Atoll Accounts and Citizens’ Accounts. A sense of co-operation and patriotic fervour has gripped the nation. Businessmen and the tourism sector are also heavily involved sponsoring or arranging special events. There are free excursions in launches, and a dance party in Kuda Bandos. The people are enjoying an occasion that cannot be compared to any recent memories. Gidige adds spice to the streets of Male’, some with photos of our Zaeem, the promoter of the republican system of government today in Maldives; a system that favours people’s ideas, contribution and participation. The Republican system of government is governed by people. And we are delighted to have such a system in our nation. We are fortunate too because few people in the world are having such a system.

Tonight from six in the evening to twelve in the midnight, vehicles were to be prohibited in the streets as people observe a walking day. (I am referring to 4th September 1998). However the event was cancelled because of rain. Many events scheduled for tonight were not held, but as the rain stopped for a while the music broke out. The national TV provided full coverage with presenters located at different areas of Male’. Just like the CNN.

So we are very happy now. It is announced that all islands will have the chance of getting national TV sometime within this year. Then, of course, other atolls can also fully realise the extent of programmes held during such occasions.

The week is going to end on Saturday and we do not know whether there is going to be any extensions.