Earlier, the MEA said, "We welcome the acceptance of the verdict of the people of Maldives by all sides and commitment expressed to take the country forward on the path of stability, progress and development."
The official statement added, "The high voter turnout in every round of presidential elections is indicative of the strong desire and determination of the people of Maldives to participate wholeheartedly in the process of choosing their president." Maldives election commissioner Fuad Thowfeek announced Yameen garnered 111,203 votes and Nasheed received 105,181 votes in the second round where voting percentage was over 90%.
India has worked hard to keep Maldives' feet to the fire to hold the elections and complete the constitutional process. Foreign secretary Sujatha Singh and joint secretary Harsh Shringla have held the Maldives politicians' hands in the run-up to the election. All the candidates have visited New Delhi, (including Yameen) where India has made the same point: that elections should be held on schedule and the constitution upheld, that all candidates including Nasheed should be allowed to participate in the elections and that there should not be a post-election vendetta.
In his first statement after being sworn in, Yameen said, "The country needs stability. I hope we will receive the necessary cooperation from Nasheed through parliament. Instead of confronting political leaders, we will confront the big challenges facing our country."
India has to deal with Maldives with a great deal of care. Maldives is now part of India's security matrix in the region, and, along with Sri Lanka, is the lynchpin of India's strategy in Indian Ocean. The PM, in his statement, said, "India and Maldives are bound together by historical, cultural and civilisational ties. Our geographical proximity has provided a strong foundation for the close and friendly relations that have been built between our two countries."
Yameen is the half-brother of former Maldives dictator Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, which has raised speculation that Gayoom might rule by proxy. Nasheed fought a spirited fight after his ouster, including taking refuge in the Indian high commission for a while. In both the rounds of elections held recently, Nasheed comfortably won the first round, but a variety of factors contributed to the second round or run-off not being held, whether because of the Supreme Court, Election Commission or the powerful police force.
In a way, Yameen's election is due to the fact that the third candidate, Jumhooree Party's Gasim Ibrahim's supporters chose Yameen over Nasheed in the second round. Gasim is a businessman, but he is supported by the extremist Adhaalath Party. Although Nasheed was an Indiaphile, in recent years, India has been somewhat exasperated with his actions. While Yameen is a sub-optimal choice for India, Gayoom and India go back many years. Therefore, observers here don't believe India will have many problems with Yameen.
However, after Waheed, India would be more careful. The man embraced by India in 24 hours of what many called a "coup" went on to throw out India's biggest investment in the country and delayed elections. India has been unhappy about attacks on its diplomats in the past year as well.
But New Delhi has refused to take sides. "India will continue to partner Maldives in this endeavour and looks forward to cooperating closely with the new president and his government," the MEA statement said.
In his first address, Yameen decided to draw half pay, as promised by him during his election campaign, citing the economic downturn in the country due to prolonged political impasse. "God willing, just the way I have promised, I will not say no to the pledges I made. So my salary will start, just as I've said, from half the salary," Yameen said. When asked of his goals for the economy, he said the coming two years will be tough, but said he will accomplish most goals by the start of the third year.
Yameen was administered the oath of office by Chief Justice Ahmad Faiz at a special session of Parliament. He was given a 21-gun salute. Mohammad Jameel was sworn in as vice-president. Two former presidents -- Nasheed and Gayoom -- attended the swearing-in ceremony.
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