I've heard a lot of debate about the role of the media in covering street protests here. On Saturday night, people gathered outside the home of the Vice President to protest his meeting with the opposition DRP party. The election system here allows for a president and vice president to be from different parties, and the protesting MDP supporters felt that the VP had betrayed President Nasheed by having talks with the other side. 
A few people chanted slogans and cops hustled one man into a van, but otherwise it was a pretty peaceful exercise in political free expression. The always capable PIO Shiyam was there to keep the media informed. Cops formed a human chain to clear the block around the VP's home, which is next to the Justice Ministry. 
They had backup from specially trained police SWAT teams.
Cameramen from all the TV stations did their job without inciting the crowd in any way. 
The protest was the lead story on TVM, a small item on Dhi TV and VTV used the protest b-roll over a live interview with a DRP member. In short, protestors, police and press all performed as you would expect in a democratic system that allows free expression.
I'm told that the situation is somewhat more volatile when the opponsition party is holding the protest, so we'll see what happens this week when DRP is planning to protest the increase in electricity bills.Note: anyone using these photos, kindly give credit to Terry Anzur Coaching Blog.
It was only six months ago that I sat in a small, dark room with Maldivian opposition leaders who doubted they would ever be shown on TVM. What a difference now! Reporters crowded around candidates from all parties, seeking soundbites. And for the first time there is competitive TV news coverage, with both DhiTV and VTV represented.
Most of the major opposition leaders had a high profile at the constitution signing event. Of course, there is still a lot of concern about continued favoritism of the president, and like politicians everywhere, they want to present their entire program and not just a soundbite on the evening news.
I'm told that the president personally called opposition leaders and invited them to be here. After the national holiday euphoria is over, the campaign really gets down to business, with the nation's first presidential debate planned for Monday Aug. 11. It is sponsored by the neutral voter education program Think Nation and will be aired on TVM live. At least three candidates have already accepted, so we hope to confirm both President Gayoom and MDP leader Mohammed Nasheed (Anni). Any candidate who declines will be represented by an empty chair.
