Back in 2001, the People's Majlis, the Parliament of the Maldives, fervently rejected the introduction of political parties in Maldives, with one MP declaring that such an introduction would be tantamount to "playing with fire". Others echoed similar sentiments, arguing that the public was not ready – that allowing political parties would tear the social fabric and encourage religious rifts in the hundred- percent Muslim nation. The application for registration of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), which had initiated the debate, was rejected.
Just four years later, in June 2005, the Parliament voted unanimously to allow political parties, with the MDP being the first to complete the registration process. This was followed quickly by the registration of Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP, or Maldivian People's Party), led by President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and consisting of top government brass and business leaders; an Islamist party called Adalat (Justice); and more recently, the Islamic Democratic Party, spearheaded by a former military officer.
Since the 2001 vote, adverse events and political blunders of the rulers had drastically intensified pressure for reform, both from internal and external sources. As the MDP began to agitate for democratic reform, the international media, which had generally seen the country as little more than an equatorial paradise, became more aware of a darker side to the islands.
In September 2003, the atoll nation was shocked by the killing of a 19-year-old prisoner in Maafushi jail. The body of the teenager, brought over from jail to the hospital in Male was kept hidden from family and friends as word spread that he had met a brutal death. As the body, completely covered in the traditional white shroud, was being shown under military/ police guard, the aggrieved mother tore off the burial cloth, exposing undeniable signs of torture. Family, friends and all concerned were shocked beyond belief. Within minutes, crowds gathered spontaneously all over Male, and there were random acts of violence targeting the High Court, the Office of the Election Commissioner, the Parliament chambers, and military/police buildings. The military reacted by using teargas to disperse the crowds. That same afternoon, prisoners in Maafushi jail who had witnessed the torture revolted and police resorted to using fire-power, killing two. More died later of wounds. Addressing the nation via radio and television late that night, President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom claimed that the authorities were forced to shoot as the rioting in the jail was threatening national security!