President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih late Saturday called on the media to expose any corruption or wrongdoing within the government and parliament, should any arise in the future.
He made the declaration at Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)'s gathering at Raalhugandu Area in capital Male', to celebrate their victory in securing the majority in the Parliamentary Election 2019 held earlier that day.
"There is a great responsibility on the press today. It is their duty to look into whether the government and parliament are rightly fulfilling what the people have trusted them with", he said.
"Should there be a single wrongdoing within the government, expose it! Should a single member of parliament be involved in bribery, expose it! Do not be complacent. I am ready to take action".
President Solih went on to proclaim that there was "no room for theft in this government", warning all state officials to uphold services to the people or "leave the administration".
In his address, the president thanked the public for voting for MDP and reform, and hailed the Elections Commission for the "free and fair election".
"Today, we saw an election held without complaint or problem, which was made possible by allowing the Elections Commission to function free of any influence", said President Solih.
He stated that the election results indicated that Maldivians were still in support of the decision they made in the Presidential Election 2018, which President Solih had won by a wide margin against rival former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom.
The president expressed confidence that the lawmakers elected by the people would be committed to their duties and responsibilities.
He called on everyone to come together, stating that his administration would cooperate without differentiation with all who work in service to the Maldivian people.
The president further stated that the people would see the Commission on State Assets Recovery, which he formed to probe corruption in the previous administration, functioning within the parliament. President Solih also assured that the Commission on Investigation of Murders and Enforced Disappearances, which he formed to solve certain cold cases, would also speed up its work with support from the parliament.
MDP, the main party of the ruling coalition, won the parliament majority with 68 out of 87 constituencies. Among the newly elected MDP lawmakers is Mohamed Nasheed for Machangolhi Central, becoming the first former president to be elected to parliament.
Tentative results of the Parliamentary Election 2019:
- MDP: 68 seats
- Jumhooree Party: 7 seats
- Progressive Party of Maldives: 4 seats
- Maldives Development Alliance: 2 seats
- People's National Congress: 1 seat
- Independent candidates: 6 seats
Sign In
