Government call on Former President Nasheed to respect the rule of law

The Government of Maldives has called upon President Nasheed to respect the CoNI findings and to abide by the rule of law.  Speaking at a Press Conference the Defence Minister, Home Minister and Attorney General noted the unequivocal and clear findings of the CoNI which have noted that the transfer of power was legal and followed the constitution.  They noted there was no room for questioning the CoNI and that all members of the Commission, except President Nasheed’s were in agreement with the findings.  They also pointed out that the UN and Commonwealth observers had been impressed with the professionalism of the work and the intergrity and impartiality with which the members had carried out their duties.

The Government noted that MDP should cease violent demonstrations and not encourage unruly mobs onto the streets of Male as was observed on the night of 31^st August 2012.  They noted that they would no longer condone this kind of behavior of intimidation where the threat of violence and slander of members of the Government and public were being justified in the name of ‘democracy’ as well as rights and freedoms. 

Former President Nasheed whilst he has reluctantly accepted the findings of CoNI continues to call for and partake in violent demonstrations.  Despite the support of the Commonwealth, UN, US, EU India and UK for the findings and their call for peaceful dialogue and reconciliation President Nasheed is seeking to inflame the situation and call unrest and chaos in the capital Male’.  The Government however, has assured it’s citizens as well as the international community that peace, stability and security of Maldivians is paramount to them and they would not give space to violence and unrest on the streets of Male’.