Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Moosa ‘Reeko’ Manik has stated that preparations are underway to hold President-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s oath-taking ceremony at Galolhu National Stadium as he wishes.
Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)’s Chairperson Hassan Latheef, Director of Transition Ahmed Latheef as well as Chairperson of Transition, Abdulla Shahid had met with the Deputy Speaker on Thursday, to discuss the procedures of the oath-taking ceremony.
RaajjeMV understands that Deputy Speaker Manik had revealed to the opposition delegation that preparations for the oath-taking ceremony had commenced on the 24th of September and are proceeding full steam ahead with a 27-member committee, comprised especially for the procedure.
Noting that the Maldives constitution highlights that an incoming President or Vice President shall assume office upon taking and subscribing, before the Chief of Justice or his designate, at the sitting of the Parliament, the relevant oath of office, Manik said that the Parliament has decided to hold the ceremony wherever the President-elect wishes.
As such, the opposition had decided to hold the inauguration at the national stadium to allow the greatest number of people to attend the event, which the Deputy Speaker agrees with. Manik told RaajjeMV that discussions of security training had already been held with the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).
While the opposition had earlier revealed that they will be inviting leaders and senior members of foreign countries and prominent members of the international community, Manik stated that preparations are underway to send the invitations to the foreign bodies, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Noting that outgoing President Abdulla Yameen had requested for his oath-taking ceremony to be held at Dharubaaruge premises after being elected in the second round of the Presidential polls held in 2013, Manik highlighted that although they did not have adequate time to complete the procedures, they had organized a successful ceremony in the end.
The Deputy Speaker asserted that things will be different this time as they have adequate time to carry preparations through without rushing things, assuring the opposition that they will put in their best efforts to make the oath-taking ceremony one to remember.
