Foreign groups no longer talk about early election: Gayoom

Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has said that foreign groups who stressed the importance of an early election in Maldives do not do so anymore, and foreign ambassadors also never bring up the issue anymore.

Speaking at a Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) function held at Artificial Beach last night, Gayoom said that senior officials of foreign countries whom he met with during his recent trips abroad did not talk about the issue of an early election, and foreign ambassadors in Maldives also do not give much attention to this issue anymore:

“Talk of an early election is hardly heard anymore, foreign officials whom I meet with no longer bring it up. I travelled abroad recently and met with leaders of several countries. I’ve also met with several foreign delegates who visit Maldives. I understand from them that they don’t pay much attention to the issue of an early election anymore.”

The reason, according to Gayoom, is that the world believes that result of an early election would be the same as the by-elections which were held after the change of government:

“An early election has been held: Thimarafushi, Kaashidhoo, Kumundhoo, Maafaru elections – these were all early elections. We have seen the result of these early elections. So they don’t want to talk about an early election anymore, because we know what the result will be.”

He said that he does not wish to interfere with the investigation conducted by Inquiry Commission. As Maldives is an open country, international groups will attempt to influence Maldives, but Maldivians should be the ones solving their internal problems.

“It does not mean that we won’t accept advice from them. Some foreign groups will give good advice, hold good discussions, suggest good ideas. We should think about what they say and decide to proceed if it’s the best thing for the country.”

He also said that PPM’s aim is to make it the party with the most number of youth. He expressed hope that PPM will become popular among the youth of the country:

“If things go this way, our party will be made up of youth. The only old person will be myself. This is a very happy thought. This means that it becomes a party which includes our future.”

Gayoom also assured PPM members that PPM will not do anything outside the principles, laws and regulations of democracy.