13 February 2012, Male';President Dr. Mohamed Waheed has moved over recent days to finalise the composition of his Cabinet, as part of his drive to create a government of national unity. As publicly promised following his succession to the Presidency, Dr. Waheed is working to ensure that all responsible political parties are represented in the Cabinet.
On 8 February, in order to respond to the detiorating security situation in the country, the President appointed Dr. Jameel and Mr. Mohamed Nazim to the positions of Minister of Home Affairs and Minister of Defence respectively.
Then, on 12 February, the President appointed individuals to the portfolios of Human Resources, Youth and Sport; Attorney-General; Economic Development: Education: Transport and Communication: Tourism and Arts; and Health and Family.
Of these ministerial appointments, three are from the Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP), two from the Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM), and one each from the DQP and Jumhooree Parties which have smaller representations in the Majlis. No Cabinet post has been handed to the President's own political party.
Other posts, including key portfolios of government, have been set aside for the Maldives Democratic Party (MDP), the party of the former President, in the hope that they will agree to join the government of national unity.
Speaking regarding these appointments, President Waheed has said:
"A key responsibility of any government in a democracy is to promote the economic and social well being of its people. It's my belief that at this challenging time for our nation that this is best achieved by establishing a cabinet and government that represents all shades of opinion. I want to make it absolutely clear that there is room around my cabinet table and all levels of government for representatives of every political party in the Maldives. In particular I would urge our colleagues in the MDP to put aside partisan differences and to take up my offer of significant representation in the government."
ENDS