Change of government was the result of Nasheed

President Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik has said that according the Commission of National Inquiry’s (CNI) report, the change of President in the Maldives on 7 February 2012 was legal and constitutional, and that the events that occurred on 6 and 7 February 2012, were, in large measure, reactions to the actions of former President Nasheed.

The President said in his address to the nation after being presented the CNI’s report, that the resignation of President Nasheed was voluntary and of his own free will, and not caused by any illegal coercion or intimidation.

President Dr Waheed said while speaking in the presence of Ministers, leading politicians and the media, that through CNI’s report, it has become clear that the transfer of power on 7 February was legitimate.

“Therefore it is time to stop questioning the legitimacy of the government. It is time to stop illegal activities and activities that go against generally acceptable social norms. With the CNI’s report, many things have become clear. The Maldivian people too would come to understand this once they read the report. This is now the time to stop brutality. This is the time for political leaders to show their leadership and the time to put the nation’s interest before individual interests. This is the time to learn from lessons of the past and the time for peaceful dialogue and constructive consultation.”

The President highlighted that the CNI’s report regarding the transfer of power on 7 February and the recent reports of the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives on the events leading to 7 February, advise us to institute a series of administrative and legal reforms.

“It is imperative that sittings of the People’s Majlis resume in order implement these reforms. I assure you that I will also implement the recommendations of the Commission,” he said.

President Dr Waheed said that the consultative process that he had earlier initiated with the political parties of the country would recommence tonight with a fresh resolve.

“I am hopeful that the consultations amongst parties would happen in a cordial and friendly environment,” President Dr Waheed said.

The CNI, established by a Presidential Decree on 21 February to investigate the change of government on 7 February, was dissolved by the President today following the completion of its work and the presentation of its report to the relevant authorities.