Parliament has confirmed government’s legitimacy, says President Waheed

Parliament has confirmed the legitimacy of his administration, President Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan has contended.

Addressing the Majlis on April 2, Deputy Speaker Ahmed Nazim said, “President Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan took oath of office in Majlis on 07 February 2012, and has delivered the presidential address as per the constitution on 19 March 2012. Hence, the People’s Majlis believes the transfer of power on February 7 was constitutional.”

The ousted President Mohamed Nasheed said he was forced to resign at “gunpoint,” and has raised questions over Waheed’s legitimacy. Nasheed has called for early general elections.

Nasheed’s Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) sought to obstruct Waheed from addressing parliament on March 1 and March 19. Waheed only managed to deliver a shortened version of the presidential address amidst loud heckling by MDP MPs in the Majlis chamber while MDP supporters and police clashed violently outside. During the speech an MP held up a placard declaring Waheed a ‘coup boss’.