More assured of an independent presidential election next year: Thasmeen

DRP Leader Ahmed Thasmeen Ali has said that he is now more assured of an independent and fair Presidential Election next year.

In an interview with Sun online after Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik resumed the post of President, Thasmeen said that he did not trust that a fair election would have been held next year under the presidency of Mohamed Nasheed. Thasmeen accused the former government of manipulating state resources.

“State-owned means such as the media and individual institutions were being used for the benefit of the former government. Several things like this meant that there was no hope for a fair election,” Thasmeen said.

Thasmeen said that he is confident that Dr Mohamed Waheed will work within the principles of democracy until the election next year, and that he will cooperate with President Dr Waheed’s government.

“I will cooperate with President Dr Mohamed Waheed in every possible way. At the same time, we will do everything possible to end any unlawful practices in the future as well,” he said.

Thasmeen said that in addition to preparing for the upcoming election, DRP will work towards making the current government responsible.