Defence minister's cryptic message: have not seen any political activities within the armed forces

Defence Minister Adam Shareef Umar has sent another cryptic message via his Facebook page.

According to reports, documents were scattered inside the military base- Kalhuthuhkalaa Koshi- in capital Malé City on Saturday night, which allegedly contained messages to the chief of defence. The messages warned against working to annul presidential election result, and highlighted that the military will remain with the people. It added that the military will uphold the people’s decision and give support to President-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

In a Facebook message posted in Dhivehi afterwards, the minister noted that the military has certain responsibilities and duties under the Constitution and Armed Forces Act, and added that officers should always refrain from partaking in politics.

“Since the presidential election, until tonight, [I] have not seen any political activities within the military,” added the minister.

233,877 of 262,135 of those eligible came out and voted in the presidential election held on September 23, shattering incumbent President Abdulla Yameen’s hopes for reelection. Ibrahim Mohamed Solih was elected as Maldives’ seventh president with 58.4 percent of the votes.

While Yameen conceded defeat the next day, he is currently working on annulling the result accusing the Elections Commission of fraud. The Supreme Court is to make a ruling on the matter on Sunday afternoon.