Ibu hints Supreme Court must make decision on date to swear-in

President-elect and Hinnavaru MP Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (Ibu) has hinted a final decision on the date he takes oath of office should be made by the Supreme Court.

Lawmakers this Sunday morning debated on a motion to allow the President-elect to swear-in on November 11. The parliament is currently divided over whether Ibu should take his oath of office on November 11 or November 17.

Speaking during the debate, Ibu said he does not want to give anyone the opportunity to be able claim he swore in to office unconstitutionally.

“I cannot condone giving anyone the opportunity to, later on, claim I took by oath of office as the President of the upcoming presidential term unconstitutionally,” said Ibu.

Ibu said he therefore feels a “decisive determination” should be made on the matter. And that he doesn’t want the decision made by the Majlis again revisited by the Supreme Court.

“I definitely don’t want to see indecisiveness over the matter be settled by the Supreme Court much later on,” said Ibu.

He asked the Majlis to consider his concerns before it makes its decision.

Ibu also pointed out that it also needs to be clarified on which presidential term the days former President Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik remained in office after November 11, 2013 fell on.

“Did the six days fall on the new presidential term on November 11? Or was the previous presidential term extended? This should be clarified,” said Ibu.

He said it was important to make a decision all lawmakers who made valid points could agree on.

He repeatedly stated he does not want to commit any unconstitutional act.

The veteran lawmaker also noted that he would need to leave his parliamentary seat in a couple of weeks. And said the day will be the saddest of his life.