15 April 2012, Male'; The State Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Ms. Dunya Maumoon, today hailed the parliamentary bi-election victories secured by parties participating in the Government of National Unity as a sign of popular support for President Waheed and the new direction he is taking the country.
Since assuming power, President Waheed has continuously reaffirmed the importance of respect for the Constitution, rule of law, and national unity and reconciliation. He has also stressed the importance of getting the country back on its feet and putting recent divisions behind it. These messages have been well-received by the electorate - a point demonstrated by yesterday's bi-election victories for Ahmed Shareef of the PPM (in Thiramafushi constituency) and Abdulla Jabir of the Republican Party (Kaashidhoo constituency). Both bi-elections were called following the disqualification of sitting Members of Parliament.
"There is sometimes a sense, outside the Maldives, that popular support lies with the MDP" said the State Minister. "Today's election results, which the Election Commission has called free and fair, shows that is not the case. The people of the Maldives believe in democracy and rule of law, and want peace and progress in the country. In yesterday's election they voted for parties which are committed to those goals".
ENDS