President-elect: Will not allow nation to be thrown into turmoil

I will not allow the sitting President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom to lead the country into turmoil, says President-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (Ibu).

Speaking to press after his meeting with former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom at the Maumoon Foundation headquarters last Tuesday, Ibu said the people had made their decision at the elections on September 23 and were ready to move forward with their decision.

He appealed to Yameen not to lead Maldives into turmoil.

Ibu noted that Yameen has already conceded defeat in a televised speech, and urged everyone, including the country’s security forces to defend the people’s decision as the President-elect of Maldives.

“I say to President Yameen with all sincerity, do not try to create turmoil. Neither we, nor the people are ready to tolerate it,” said Ibu.

He said that he entered the presidential election in face of great challenges and that the election, through the effort of the coalition parties ended as a free and fair election.

“As you know, there officials and observers at every ballot box. We have reports detailing how ballots were counted at each ballot box. It’s clear there was no undue influence at any polling station,” said Ibu, challenging Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM)’s claim the vote was rigged.

He also thanked former President Maumoon for his efforts to ensure a win for the opposition coalition even from behind bars. Ibu was he wouldn’t have won the election without support from Maumoon and provide assurance he will maintain the coalition.