Gayoom bows out of politics ahead of DRP congress
25 Jan 2010, 7:00 PM
Leader of the Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) and former president of the Maldives, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, today announced his resignation from politics ahead of the party’s national congress in February.
Gayoom apologised to the DRP and its members but said it was time for the “younger generation” to take over the party’s helm.
“The Maldives is a young country, and only will progress if youth become involved in politics and leadership,” the 72 year-old said at a live press conference held in TVM studios.
“I am not young any more. I have spent many years in office, and I want to spend time with my family. I need to give the younger generation the opportunity [to lead the party] – they are capable.”
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