Gayoom calls on supporters to remain calm

Thursday, October 30th, 2008

Dhivehi Rahyithunge Party (DRP) leader and incumbent President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has called on his supporters and party members to be calm and to refrain from engaging in any activity that may lead to unrests and violence. President Gayoom made the call speaking at a DRP rally held at Giyaasuhdheen School last night.

DRP leader addressing his supporters called on supporters and party members to refrain from attacking the opposition, verbally or otherwise, or express dissatisfaction on the results of the second round of voting of the 2008 presidential elections.

Gayoom said he accepted the provincial results of runoff presidential elections because of national interests and because of his love for the country. He said accepting defeat is a fundamental democratic principle.

Addressing the large number of supporters present, Gayoom said that he is aware that there is much dissatisfaction over the second round of polling and given the opportunity for rectifications, the election results could change. However Gayoom said in the best interests of the country, he would rather not raise the issues.

“We want to show that we can afford to loose, we want to show that we don’t want to raise the complaints to High Courts and Supreme Courts because we are a party which has the best interests of the people and the country” Gayoom said.

Speaking at the rally foreign ministry and DRP council member Abdulla Shahid said is a true champion of democracy. Shahid said that Commonwealth Secretary General Sharma welcomed Gayoom’s actions and that Sharma has said Gayoom’s deserves to proud of his legacy.

Referring to Gayoom’s acceptance of the election results and his pledge for a smooth transition, Shahid said this example of adherence to democratic principles rarely seen in the world.

After foreign minister, Gayoom’s running mate Ahmed Thasmeen Ali addressed the rally. Thasmeen said he would always be at Gayoom’s side and that Gayoom was a courageous political leader.

Addressing his supporters Gayoom said he though he may not be the president, he can still continue to serve the country. Saying that forthcoming parliamentary elections are important for DRP’s future Gayoom called on the party members to work towards getting as many seats in the parliament.

Expressing that many supporters and close friends are asking him whether he intended to remain in Maldives or migrate to another country, Gayoom said that he is a Maldivian and would like to live in Maldives and lead an ordinary life. He said he will remain steadfast in Maldives and serve the country.

Revealing his actions yesterday night, Gayoom said he called on President Elect Mohamed Nasheed (Anni) while the provincial results were being announced and had congratulated him and that yesterday morning after the provincial results were announced had met Mohamed Nasheed and idscuused ways of handing over powers smoothly. Gayoom said this was what previous president’s had practiced and true to traditions he will hand over the keys of armory as well as the powers of the government smoothly. Before concluding President Gayoom thanked all those who voted for him as those did not vote for him.

Large numbers of people attended the rally at Giyaasuhdheen School and although the atmosphere reflected a more somber mood every body was in good spirits. During Gayoom’s address many chanted that the leader the country need is Gayoom.

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