President Solih wishes success to incoming administration

The outgoing president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has wished success to the incoming administration of President-elect Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, which will take office next weekend.

In an address on occasion of the 55th Republic Day on Saturday morning, President Solih said he wishes the new administration success, and for peaceful, stable and happy days to the Maldivian people.

“I wish the new administration success. And for victory, luck and success to the Maldives,” he said.

President Solih said that this is the only instance in which the Maldives has experienced a seamless transition of administration since the country's switch to a multi-party system.

“Previously, if this couldn’t be done through the vote, it was done through the courts, or by taking to the streets,” he said.

He went on to say that all succeeding administrations and leaders must uphold and propagate these accomplishments throughout the nation.

“It is the responsibility of all succeeding administrations and leaders to uphold and propagate these accomplishments throughout the nations. Administrations will change. Leaders will come and go. But this country and its people will remain for perpetuity,” he said.

President Solih asserted that when he was elected five years ago, the public was in a state of unrest and fear, stating that this had changed due to the populace demanding that peace be restored to the country.

He also discussed his administration’s assurance of freedom of expression, stating that business owners and the general public live without any fear of backlash from differing political opinions, and that journalists can now work free of fear.

He said that his administration had achieved significant strides towards equitable development across all inhabited islands in the Maldives; including enhancing the quality of life for citizens and empowering them to lead dignified lives.

President Solih stated that he prioritized establishing social justice and equality in the exercise of government responsibilities, such as closing the longstanding development gap among the islands, balancing services, enhancing resources, and enforcing that all citizens are covered under governmental responsibilities.

He added that in carrying out its responsibilities, the government had made every effort to serve all individuals on an equal basis, and had made an effort to give fair and compassionate governance to everyone.

He affirmed that the people would like to see this continue.