In the aftermath of slanderous allegations by Former President Mohamed Nasheed, President Waheed immediately established a National Inquiry Commission to investigate events leading up to the resignation of the former President- calling upon respected members of the Maldivian community to head the commission with the assistance of international parties.
The President of the Republic of Maldives, H.E. Dr. Mohamed Waheed, today established, by Decree and pursuant to Article 115(o) of the Constitution, a National Inquiry Commission and appointed its membership.
The establishment of the Commission follows Dr. Waheed's announcement, shortly after his swearing-in as President, that an independent and impartial investigation would be conducted into developments in the Maldives from 14th January to 8th February, which culminated in the resignation of former President Nasheed, the assumption of President Waheed into ofice and widespread disturbances across the country on the 8th of February.
The President has made clear that the investigation will create factual and legal clarity around events with a direct bearing on the constitutional transfer of executive power that took place on 7th February. The investigation will analyze in detail events which have taken place and thus set the groundwork for national reconciliation and dialogue.
The conduct of an independent, impartial investigation was also one of the key pledges made by the Government in its recently-released roadmap, agreed by all political parties in the Maldives and facilitated by the Indian Foreign Secretary. Such an investigation has also been one of the key requests of the Maldives' international partners including the Commonwealth.
President Waheed has appointed three individuals to the Commission. The individuals are Mr. Ismail Shafeeu who has also been appointed as the head of the Commission, Dr. Ali Fawaz Shareef and Dr. Ibrahim Yasir.
Mr. Shafeeu held a number of cabinet portfolios. Dr. Ali Fawaz Shareef, Deputy Vice Chancellor of the National University. Dr. Ibrahim Yasir is a medical professional.
The Commission will seek international assistance for the conduct of its work in the form of advisors/consultants who will work with members to carry forward the investigations.
In his decree, the President also requested the Prosecutor General to oversee the legality of the inquiries and investigations, as per Article 223(d) of the Constitution.
Further, the Commission has been asked to make a ful report of its investigation together with conclusions and recommendations. This report will be made public and submitted to the President, the Prosecutor General and the Attorney General for follow-up action.
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