The Maldivian Opposition appealed to the international community on Thursday to help ensure a peaceful transition of power amid fears that strongman Abdulla Yameen may cling onto power despite his shock election defeat.
The joint opposition, which includes four political parties that successfully put forward the little-known Ibrahim Mohamed Solih at Sunday’s vote, called for external help to re-establish democracy in the tiny Indian Ocean archipelago.
“In this regard, we look towards our friends and partners in the international community to assist us, as we move forward in trying to create a Maldives in which all citizens can enjoy peace, prosperity and justice,” the Opposition said in a statement. It did not say what form of assistance was requested, but Opposition sources said they were looking for strong foreign warnings to Mr. Yameen to go quietly.
The statement came hours after the country's military chief and the head of police issued veiled warnings on television against Mr. Yameen trying to cling onto power.
Election petition
Mr. Yameen decisively lost Sunday’s election, despite all his main rivals being in prison or in exile, sparse media coverage of the Opposition, and monitors and the opposition predicting vote-rigging.
Formal results will be announced by the election commission on Sunday and Mr. Yameen — who on Monday conceded defeat — must hand over power to Mr. Solih on November 17 at the end of his five-year term.
PM Modi invited
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited to Mr. Solih’s swearing-in ceremony to be held in November, according to a Maldives news report on Thursday.
The President-elect had extended the invitation during a congratulatory call by Mr. Modi following his victory, a spokesperson for Mr. Solih, Mariya Ahmed Didi, was quoted as saying in The Edition.
(With PTI inputs)