Maumoon to Yameen: Accept defeat with grace

Former Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has appealed to sitting President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom to accept his defeat during the recent presidential elections with grace.

Speaking to press after his meeting with President-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (Ibu) at the Maumoon Foundation headquarters last Tuesday, Maumoon said the incoming coalition administration remained steadfast with the backing of the decisive endorsement of the people.

He said that it was the legal obligation of all Maldivian people, Yameen, and the country’s security forces to support the people’s decision.

“I too make the appeal for all parties not to cast any doubt on the election result. Make this clean. Those who suffered defeat, accept it with integrity, honor and decency,” said Maumoon, speaking to press for the first time since his release from prison on parole.

Yameen, who is Maumoon’s half-brother expressed doubt over the authenticity of the elections during the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM)’s demonstration in Male’ City last Monday night.

Maumoon took the example of the presidential elections in 2008 while urging Yameen to accept his defeat.

He said that some of his close allies advised him not to concede defeat when he lost by a small margin to former President Mohamed Nasheed during the second round of the presidential elections in 2008. But that he prioritized national interest over self-interest and called Nasheed to concede defeat the very same night.

“The margin was smaller then. There was only an 8 percent margin. This time Ibrahim Mohamed Solih won 58 percent and Yameen won 42 percent – a margin of 16 percent,” said Maumoon.

“I didn’t make any complaints. This is not a boast. I’m saying that this is how it should be in a democracy. To concede defeat without any complaints even if it’s from a margin of a single vote,” said Maumoon.

Maumoon said that he did not want to repeat past mistakes and wanted to maintain the coalition.