Former President Mohamed Nasheed, on Wednesday, stated that his top priority is ensuring the continuance of the government of President-Elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
In interview given to local television station Raajje TV from neighbouring Sri Lanka, Nasheed stated that he would always be politically active and that he remained dedicated to strengthen Solih’s administration.
Nasheed noted that the quality of leadership has been steadily decreasing ever since the new Maldivian constitution of 2008 was put into effect.
He further stated that outgoing President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom was only allowed to remain in office for the duration of his term because Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) did not wish to overthrow the government unlawfully.
The former president stated that MDP firmly believed that every leader must be democratically elected by the people.
“The leadership should not change in any other manner."
Nasheed was convicted to a period of 13 years under terrorism charges over arresting former Criminal Court Judge Abdulla Mohamed during his regime.
Prosecutor General's (PG) Office had earlier requested the Supreme Court to review the 13-year jail sentence imposed on Nasheed and the rulings made in the appeal processes. In response, the Supreme Court issued a temporary stay order on the conviction of Nasheed on Tuesday.
While Nasheed expressed his relief that there was no fear of imprisonment upon his return to Maldives this Thursday, MDP is currently planning an extravagant welcome for the former president.
Nasheed was granted political asylum in the UK in January 2016 after being allowed to travel abroad for medical purposes, and has since been living in self-exile in the UK and neighbouring Sri Lanka.