Nation

President Dr Mohamed Waheed has said that he does not wish to stay on as president after 11 November, however, at this point in time, he must prioritise the nation’s interests over his own.

Speaking to reporters for the first time since the election was cancelled by the Elections Commission, the president said that he does not know how he should proceed if a second round is required after the first round is held on 9 November.

“I don’t want to stay on as president even one day after 11 November. The decision on how to proceed after 11 November is not mine to make, there are other groups that should be involved in that decision. I don’t think I can make that decision alone. I think the Supreme Court and the parliament should think about this,” said President Waheed.

He said that the election should be inclusive and organised based on policies agreed to by all candidates.

“I don’t think we will need to hold a second round. I think someone will win through the first round alone,” he said.

He also said that he hopes that the new election date will be determined soon.

He said that he has held discussions with the Elections Commission, and that the commission had proposed to hold the election on 2 November.

When asked how he would proceed after 11 November, he said, “The nation’s interests do not depend on the president alone. The country is run by three powers, the executive branch, the legislative branch, and the judiciary. The leaders of the three powers have to find a suitable solution for the nation,” he said.

He said that now is not the time to take action against the Elections Commission.

“We have faced challenging times before. By god’s will, we got through those times. We can do it again,” he said.

He said that big countries face serious difficulties in their efforts to introduce democracy, and that the Maldives has been successful in solving its problems without any bloodshed so far.

“We can manage our country. Our people are just as capable as people in other countries. We are not uneducated or incompetent. We can walk with them side by side. So we should be able to solve the problems that we are faced with today. No one should dictate to us how we should proceed,” he said.

President Waheed said that he understands the dangers faced by the country, and that the government acts in accordance with the advice given by Commonwealth and other organisations.

“Nonetheless, the final decision will be made by us. People will criticise, I’ve been severely criticised – according to international media, I’m probably the worst person in the world right now. But we can’t be listening to what people say today. Today, we have to protect the nation’s interests,” he said.

The president said that the three candidates contesting to lead the country should carry out their responsibilities, in order to solve the current problems.