Yameen trying to hold on to power, says Opposition

Barely 48 hours after outgoing Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen conceded poll defeat, the Opposition coalition that dislodged him has raised alarm over his alleged attempts to hold on to power. Its members on Wednesday accused Mr. Yameen of preparing to move the Supreme Court, seeking annulment of Sunday’s presidential election, citing “misconduct and corruption” of some officials at the Elections Commission. “We heard from reliable sources in government and the security services that there is such an attempt,” Joint Opposition spokesman Ahmed Mahloof told The Hindu over the phone from Male. The Opposition had also heard of efforts to collate lists of those who did not get to vote. Uniting against Mr. Yameen in an unlikely coalition, Opposition actors fielded senior lawmaker Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, who emerged winner in a poll upset. The following day, Mr. Yameen conceded defeat in a public address, disproving his critics who feared he might hold on to power. Smooth transition Asked about the Opposition’s allegation, presidential spokesman Ibrahim Hussain Shihab said: “The President, in his speech accepted the provisional result by the Elections Commission and stated that he will oversee a smooth transition of power until he steps down on November 17, when the President-elect is sworn in.” Addressing Maldivians on Monday, Mr. Yameen said: “I would like to note that yesterday the Maldivian people have voiced their decision. I accept the result.” Further, he said: “I do not want to complicate or hinder any work due to my ways of doing things. The people have voiced their opinion yesterday. I fully respect their decision,” according to an official translation of his address. The Elections Commission has remained under the spotlight for months, especially after a known supporter of Mr. Yameen was appointed its chief in March. In the run-up to the elections, Opposition members speculated possible poll rigging and violence.

Source  :  https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-international/yameen-trying-to-hold-on-to-power-says-opposition/article25052947.ece

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