Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, on Monday, criticized the lack of high-level government representation at the ceremony held to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Second Republic.
In a tweet posted on his official Twitter account, Maumoon noted that neither the incumbent president, Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, nor any of his cabinet ministers, had attended the event.
Gayoom expressed dismay at the neglect of the historically significant day, which in addition to Republic Day celebrations, also happens to be the favoured date for presidential inaugurations, and a matter of much debate in the Maldives.
Deeply dismayed by the lack of high level govt representation at the official event to mark the 50th anniversary of our second republic. Not even one cabinet minister, let alone the president, turned up. Is that how we cherish our national values? pic.twitter.com/wySyJdWOCY
— Maumoon Abdul Gayoom (@maumoonagayoom) November 12, 2018
The incumbent government had initially intended to hold a grand celebration, going as far as designing a logo specifically for the occasion. However, it seems such plans were discarded following the electoral defeat of President Yameen to opposition candidate Ibrahim Mohammed Solih in the presidential election held on September 23.
Members of President-Elect Solih's incoming government also previously discussed the possibility of Republic Day celebrations to be held along with a presidential inauguration open to the public. Following the decision for the oathtaking to take place after the end of President Yameen's term, coupled with the attendance of foreign leaders and dignitaries, it was confirmed that only a closed ceremony would be held on November 17.
Maldives was declared a republic on November 11 of 1968, following a parliamentary vote and a public referendum.
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