It would seem that this author's declaration that Maumoon's opponents were full of 'hot air' could not encompass Ibra. Having reviewed his manifesto and stance on policies, this author apologizes for a mistake which has undermined Ibra's obvious intellectual lead over his opponents.

Any Maldivian vying for positive change would find nothing less in Ibra's manifesto and policy statements. It is a crime that Ibra has received the least accolade in the run-up to the elections. If any candidate deserves to win on the merits of good research and sound planning it must be Ibra.

Every Maldivian is getting their house repainted and dinnerware renewed in anticipation of celebrating a post-Maumoon era. Just the hope itself is enough to will the electoral balance in favour of his opponents. There is only one problem: all his opponents are too ill-equipped to take the reigns.

The candidate most vaunted by NUA (National Unity Alliance) has proven that he not only lacks integrity (first Maumoon, now the people?), but is also a bumbling buffoon when it comes to economic concerns. What he has presented as his "financing plan" (lets hope he does not take down this link out of shame) is so far removed from what was expected that the economists are still deciding on whether to keel over with laughter or shoot themselves in the head.

The policy intended for kickstarting an economy that has been ground to a halt under the weight of Maldives' most recent battle for democracy is summed up in two pages of hilariously unpalatable numbers and downright stupid labels. Hassan's 'plan' starts with a line that reads 'Saving from government expenditure'. If we ignore the literal meaning implied from the obvious lack of literary insight and consider what the author may have painstakingly tried to convey (deduced from the context of current affairs of state and the document's content), the statement describes not a revenue but a reduction in expenditure. How can a reduction in expenditure of a fiscal year be injected into the budget of the same year. Even if such savings are made, would they not be brought forward into the accounts of the following year? Hence, is Hassan implying that the Rf. 1,111.5 million of savings made on expenditure will be brought forward into his budget from that of Maumoon's administration (perhaps Dr. Shaheed knows something the public does not)?

Next Hassan makes a curiously interesting statement about 'sales of assets'. Aside from confusing the reader Hassan manages to undervalue the assets which will be at his disposal (assuming he becomes the president). The half-billion returns stated in Hassan's plan could be made just from the sale of shares held by the government in Dhiraagu alone. It would be prudent for the scrutinizers to question Hassan's intentions given such blatant undervaluation.

The returns on rentals Hassan implies is another enigma. At the moment, the Maldivian government makes well over USD 40 million a year from the rental of resort properties alone. How these returns tapered down to merely Rf. 39.7 in Hassan's plan can only be a mistake (an unforgivable given that a country's future is at stake) or deliberate propaganda.

Then there is a revenue source that reads 'Restructuring of taxes including corporate tax'. One is left wondering what taxes need restructuring, given that Maldives is not used to any form of tax scheme (only duties, fees and levies). Concurrently, Hassan proves his arrogance by believing that the public will buy into a tax 'scheme' summed up (or 'detailed', depending on what Hassan's mindset is) in a single statement. The Maldivian public will need to know who is being taxed, at what rates and for what reasons before Hassan gets the seal of approval.

Even more incriminating than the revenue sources are the proposed budgetary expenses. All the proposed expenses labeled 'Inrease in wages' is the first curiosity. Once again, Hassan assumes that the public will interpret these figures with a very optimistic outlook. That these increases in wages occur with minimal (or even negative) growth in the number of public servants along with a lack of inflation. How else can Hassan expect these budgetary provisions to contribute to a noticeable increase in individual salaries?

Some of Hassan's expenses convey his lack of prioritization, such as with his promise of 'Computers for all practicing teachers'. He seems adamant about appeasing teachers with this promise. There is a reason for this too. Teachers are the individuals in our society who are respected, even if silently. So when they say Hassan's the right bloke for the job more people will believe them. If these teachers are truly smart they will see through this poor attempt at bribery. They would obviously know that there are more important needs, such as ensuring that the children they teach each day are well-nourished, have the financial backing to buy books, etc. Rf. 77.1 million can go a long way in aiding children attain these needs.

The budgetary items for investments in tourism/trade are farcical too. What sort of seaport can be built from a meagre Rf. 500 million (for his 5-year term)? The shipping industry operates on very stringent standards and certifications, which demand a certain level of infrastructure. Shipping lines that matter will never compromise into docking at berths like the one at Male' Atoll Fonadhoo. If this is Hassan's idea of development then NUA itself was no more than a congregation of looney tunes for trying to nominate him the alliance candidate.

The only other economic development programs Hassan could conjure are investing in fisheries and agriculture. If Hassan is intent on specifying itemized budgets for industrial classifications then he should include all possible avenues of development. In fact, instead of declaring budgets make commitments on how the money is going to be used. For example, commitments such as doubling the average individual salary of government employees by the end of 2010.

Hassan needs to learn how this whole I-wanna-be-president thing works before running for the the post. As metaphorical advice goes, one needs to crawl before walking. The only presidential candidate who is making strides is Maumoon, given that his commitments address almost all existing public angst (and no other candidate even comes close). It would seem that all the bragging done by his opponents about knowing how to run the country better was all hot air.

Maumoon's opponents may have hoped that the desire for change alone would win over constituencies. This may yet prove to be true. However, there are many Maldivians who have taken a moment to think about the future awaiting their family and friends through the choices made on the 8th of this month. The people may be unwilling to place this future in the hands of a coward or insipid deadhead.

Hassan's original 'financing plan', posted on his campaign website on 4th October, can also be downloaded by clicking on this sentence.