Former President Mohamed Nasheed has said that Maldivians have shown the world that they reject oppression tyranny.

Addressing thousands of supporters at Artificial Beach on Thursday after returning to Maldives, the opposition leader said that Maldivians had ‘shocked the world’ on election day.

Nasheed thanked all Maldivians for coming out on election day and showing that they are unwilling to step back and will take every opportunity to gain their rights.

“You have shown the world that you do not want oppression and tyranny, you want an Islamic democratic nation. We vow to make that a reality.”

Describing the Maldivian people  as the saviors of the nation, Nasheed said that the opposition coalition owes them a great debt, including housing. He said that they have inscribed the rights of citizens in the Maldives Constitution, which includes the right of every individual to lead a dignified life with their family, with a respectable job and a roof under their heads.

Nasheed said that coalition’s aim is to make this a reality, highlighting his belief that family is the foundation of national development.

He also said that the coalition will tirelessly work to secure president-elect Solih’s government.

“As long as we have a pulse left, we will not stop until we establish a fair government.”

Near the end of his speech, Nasheed thanked his wife and two children and his colleagues, as well as the party leaders for their ceaseless work to make their reform efforts a reality, adding that Maldives is once again a nation where power can be transferred peacefully.

He also thanked his fellow opposition leaders, former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, Jumhooree Party leader Qasim Ibrahim, and Adhaalath Party (AP) leader Imran Abdulla, who came out to join Nasheed’s welcoming event immediately after the Supreme Court earlier on Thursday suspended his prison sentence.

He then thanked president-elect Solih, his close friends since childhood, and said that he will never forget their sacrifices.