Dr. Mohamed Waheed sworn in as President;
announces intention to restore public confidence by upholding rule of law through a National Unity Government
Male’, 7 February 2012 (Tuesday) – His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Waheed, the Vice-President since 11 November 2008, was today sworn in as the new President of the Republic of Maldives, in a brief investiture ceremony held at the Parliament House. Shortly after the resignation of Mr. Mohamed Nasheed as President, Dr. Waheed was sworn in to office for the remaining twenty-one months of the scheduled presidential term, under the Constitution. The oath was administered by the Chief Justice, Hon. Ahmed Faiz Hussain.
On assuming presidential office, Dr. Waheed highlighted that his key priorities included the restoration of public confidence in democratic institutions by upholding the rule of law and uncompromising adherence to the Constitution. He also announced his intention to preside over a National Unity Government, which includes all responsible political parties in the country. President Waheed elaborated that the MDP, which was headed by Former President Mohamed Nasheed, would also be invited to be a member of the National Unity Government. He is expected to announce his new Cabinet shortly.
Recalling the dramatic events over the past three weeks, President Waheed said “It is deeply regretful that the enforced disappearance of the Chief Judge of the Criminal Court, Hon. Justice Abdulla Mohamed, occurred. I am pleased to report that he has been reunited with his family after 21 days of detention in Girifushi Military Training Facility”.
He continued, “We must never allow the situation to develop whereby members of police and armed forces are compelled to order or execute any unlawful command as happened in the past. As President, I will never seek to exceed my powers or interfere with the independence of the judiciary”
Emphasising the importance of due process, upholding of fundamental constitutional rights and rule of law, he called on all parties to ensure that the Constitution, governing laws and principles of democracy are respected in the coming days. He said, “I would strongly urge the people to refrain from personal vendettas and politically-motivated acts of revenge against officials of the previous administration, including Former President Nasheed”.
He added “Former President Nasheed and his family are being offered full security and privileges, and that any allegations of wrongdoing by Former President Nasheed or senior officials of the former administration must be proven in a court of law, within the legal framework and without any violations of fundamental rights.”
Finally, President Waheed assured that a key priority of his tenure would be to ensure that any and all hurdles to holding a free and fair presidential election in 2013 are overcome. In this regard the President has taken necessary actions to free state media (Television Maldives and Voice of Maldives) from government influence as the Constitution and laws demand.
With the cooperation of all political parties the President is confident of attaining democratic aspirations of the Maldivians.
Summing up President Waheed said, “This administration has six key priorities:
- · The Rule of law will be upheld in order to ensure our Democratic and legal institutions function effectively;
- · We are establishing a national unity government with parties across the Majlis, with MDP members invited to participate;
- · Our immediate focus is judicial reform in order to ensure our judiciary is fully protected from Executive interference in future, in order to avoid the events of recent days;
- · Media freedom is protected under the constitution and we have taken action already to demonstrate this with Executive control of television already reduced;
This legally constituted administration should be judged by whether it achieves these pledges over the coming months.”
