“CONI’s findings reveal that the transfer of power on 7 February was legal and constitutional” - President Waheed

President Dr Mohamed Waheed said that the Commission of National Inquiry (CONI)’s findings reveal that the change of President in the Maldives on 7 February 2012 was legal and constitutional. The President made this statement while addressing the nation at the President’s Office this morning, following the presentation of CONI’s final report to the President.

The President said that the report also shows that the events that occurred on 6 and 7 February 2012 were in large measure, reactions to the actions of former President Nasheed, and that the resignation of President Nasheed was voluntary and of his own free will, and was not caused by any illegal coercion or intimidation.

Meeting members of the cabinet, leaders of political parties, political appointees of the government, and the local media, the President said that there was no room to raise any questions about the transfer of power anymore. He said that it has now become clear that the transfer of power on February 7 was legitimate, and called on everyone to stop questioning the legitimacy of the government.

“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”, said the President.

In his address to the nation today, the President further assured that he would implement recommendations of the Human Rights commission of the Maldives in their report, regarding the transfer of power on February 7, to institute a series of administrative and legal reforms. He also said that it was imperative that sittings of the People’s Majlis resume in order to implement those reforms.

President Waheed expressed his hopes that the consultations amongst political parties would happen in a cordial and friendly environment, noting that the consultative process that he had earlier initiated with the political parties of the country would re-commence this evening.