Former President denies any involvement in ousting Nasheed

Former President Maumoon Abdul Qayyoom has said that he had no role in ousting the government of the recently deposed Mohamed Nasheed. Maumoon also said that the new government formed following the resignation of Nasheed is a perfectly legitimate one.

Speaking to AFP, Maumoon said that current President Dr. Muhammad Waheed Hassan Manik was brought to leadership in accordance with the principles stipulated in the Maldivian laws. Maumoon extended his congratulations to President Waheed as well.

“I had no involvement in the downfall of Nasheed’s government. Nasheed himself resigned”, said Maumoon.

Maumoon, who is currently in Malaysia for medical treatment of his wife, said that Nasheed’s demands for an early presidential election do not stand on acceptable grounds, and said that the next presidential elections should come in 2013, as it should on a normal schedule.

Maumoon also said that he had not made a final decision on running in the next presidential election, although he said that chances are not wide.

“I am keeping my options, but I do not think it is likely. I have not decided, and the decision would be ultimately made by the time, place, and circumstances”, said Maumoon.