Beloved People of the Maldives:
As-salaam Alaikum Wa-rahmathullahi Wa-barakaathuh;
The most important right of the people in a democratic system is the right to vote in a free and fair election. The greatest responsibility of a sovereign nation is to be loyal to the vote of all citizens; to count each vote; and, to not let anyone cast a vote more than once.
I am pleased that the first round of the presidential elections that was held on September 7 went peacefully and smoothly. However, moments after the voting, complaints were submitted to the Elections Commission and few days after the voting, a candidate had filed a case at the Supreme Court, as per the laws of the Maldives, alleging irregularities in the voting process. What followed has put the country into chaos.
We have so far overcome difficult political situations, by working peacefully and patiently. I am confident that we can resolve the current issue and complete the election process.
A swift ruling on the case by the Supreme Court would help cool off the current political situation. At the same time, if there are any real evidence of voting irregularities, it is important to prove them in a Court.
Today, the presidential candidates, political parties, the Maldivian people and the international community are all looking forward for the presidential elections to be held as soon as possible, and the candidate elected assume the presidency on November 11. I give my full assurance that the government will do everything possible to achieve this target. This government is making necessary preparations to ensure a smooth transfer of power.
I take this opportunity to call on all beloved Maldivians, political leaders and political parties to show patience, to respect the Constitution and the laws of the country and to focus on maintaining peace and harmony of the country.
There will be only one winner in any election. But the victory must be shared by all. Today, our young democracy is going through a new experience in strengthening democracy in the country. The vote of each individual is the most sacred right of a citizen. After every election in the Maldives, we hear allegations of irregularities in the voting. Therefore, the support and cooperation of everyone is required, to verify the votes of this election as well as any future elections that will be held in the Maldives, in order to ensure that a transparent election process is followed.
I urge everyone to give their support to carry out the voting process in a fair and peaceful manner.
We have the ability to resolve our own affairs. Maldivians have, in the past, resolved even more difficult problems by themselves.But, if issues go unresolved over a long period, foreign parties would want to intervene. The reason is we will need foreign assistance in instances of chaos and crisis, and because even now some amongst us are calling for foreign assistance.
I strongly condemn calls foreign military interventions in the Maldives and to interfere in domestic affairs of the country. We are not intimidated by such calls. We are prepared to save the country from such foreign parties that may attempt to interfere in the powers of the state.
Today, I remind the Maldivian people, especially political leaders, that every moment of discord and disharmony amongst us opens a door for foreign intervention in our domestic issues. Even though our independent institutions are young and imperfect, they are the institutions of this country. When we disrepute and dishonor those institutions, foreign parties giving opinions in place of those institutions, is not a farfetched possibility. Maldivians can make decisions on their own affairs, but only if we protect the Constitution and institutions established under the Constitution. This could only be done by maintaining cooperation among our different institutions and not by one institution trying to weaken and destroy the other.
This is not the time to create disputes among the three powers of the State. This is not the time to attack each other. This is not the time to raise concerns over the safety and protection that the State must provide to the common people. This is the time to be thoughtful and protect the safety and security of the people.
This country does not belong to any one individual or any single group of people. This country belongs to all Maldivians. Every loss will be the loss for all. Taking special consideration of this, especially now, is of most importance in protecting the sovereignty and peace of the nation.
I am hopeful that the Supreme Court will soon announce its ruling on the vote dispute. I urge everyone to give their cooperation in implementing the Supreme Court decision. The elected president of a free and fair election would become the President of all of us. I assure you that I will give my full support to that president. At the same time, I will give my support to all the other state institutions.
At this time, I call on the MNDF officers and the Police, to make national interests their highest priority; to trust in the institutions created to form and execute laws; and, to remain sincere in upholding the Constitution and the rule of law.
I call on my fellow politicians to refrain from using language that may cause anger and animosity among us. Not to fuel the political situation of our country.
May the Almighty Allah give us patience and to make us kind to each other. I pray for the peace and stability of the Maldives.
ENDS…