After playing a backroom role during the Maldivian crisis last week to ensure a "smooth transition" of power,India is now working behind the scenes to encourage the process of political reconciliation in the young democracy. While new president Mohamed Waheed swore in an expanded cabinet today that includes members from different parties,in an attempt to cobble together a majority government,New Delhi has been encouraging talks by all parties to come to an understanding over resolving the matter within the political system. Ousted President Mohamed Nasheed has till now refused to hold talks with the opposition and has repeatedly said that his Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) will not joint the current government. However,with the situation cooling down,efforts are on to ensure a meeting between Nasheed's party (which is in minority but was supported by a few independents) and the opposition coalition in the next few days. The idea is to ensure that the parliament functions again and the legitimacy of the current government be established on the floor of the house. Nasheed's decision to put off a planned tour to the southern atoll of Addu,which has been gripped by violence with his supporters clashing with the police,is also seen as a sign that the reconciliation process is underway. While India believes elections are not required at the moment,given that members of the parliament enjoy the support of the people,Nasheed has been insisting on snap polls. The huge cost of conducting elections at a time when the economy of the country is not doing well is another reason deterring New Delhi. The seven cabinet members sworn in by Waheed today belong to various parties,including some close to former dictator Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. Some key ministries have been kept vacant and speculation is that this has been done to rope members of the MDP into the coalition government. These include the ministries of foreign affairs and fisheries - the two main economic drivers of the nation. The key post of Vice-President has also not been filled.
