Maldives: President Solih sworn in on November 17 /update 2

Event

On Saturday, November 17, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih was sworn in during an official ceremony held at the National Stadium in Malé. A heightened security presence was reported throughout the city during the ceremony. Demonstrations organized by supporters of outgoing President Abdulla Yameen are possible in the coming days.

Context

President Solih was elected by a large margin in the September 23 presidential election. Outgoing President Abdulla Yameen initially conceded defeat to Solih in the immediate aftermath of the election, before alleging that the election had been rigged and filing a request with the Supreme Court on October 14 for it to be annulled. Yameen similarly contested election results in 2013, when he controversially came to power. He had succeeded in obtaining the annulment of the election, followed by two postponements of the vote, which he then won.

Advice

Individuals present in the Maldives, notably the capital Malé, are advised to avoid all public gatherings as they may turn violent, monitor developments, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.