Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has been sworn in as the eighth President of the Republic of Maldives.

Dr. Muizzu’s swearing-in ceremony is taking place at the Republic Square on Friday evening. Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef also took oath of office on Friday evening.

Their oath was administered by Chief Justice of the Maldives Ahmed Muthasim Adnan.

According to Article 114 of the Maldives Constitution, a person elected to the office of the President and appointed as Vice President shall take the oath of office and sign the oath of office at a meeting of parliament in the presence of the Chief Justice or a Judge appointed by the Chief Justice of the Maldives.

Former Presidents Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Mohamed Nasheed and Dr. Mohamed Waheed attended the ceremony.

Former President and opposition leader Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom chose not to attend.

Members of Parliament, many high-ranking officials, business tycoons as well as senior figures of political parties also took part in the inauguration ceremony. A great number of foreign diplomats and dignitaries were also in attendance.

President Muizzu’s inauguration has marked the commencement of his presidential term, alongside that of VP Latheef’s.

The proceedings of the ceremony began at 4:45pm on Friday.

Following his inauguration, Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) welcomed the new president with a 21-gun salute.

Following his inauguration, the new president delivered his inaugural address at the special assembly of the People’s Majlis, in the presence of Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Aslam.

In his inaugural statement, the eighth president of Maldives shed light on his vision and plans for the term ahead.

A total of MVR 22 million was spent for the swearing-in ceremony of President Muizzu and VP Latheef.