President Mohamed Nasheed (Anni) took Oath of Office of the President of Maldives around ten thirty this morning. He starts his first day of office with a renewed commitment to deliver on his five campaign promises and a promise to deliver good governance to the people.

Anni walks into office with several challenges. The first, to me, is the fact that he has decided to form a coalition government despite a candidacy that represents MDP and GIP. The new president has his hands tied by those who have demanded a portion of government in return for their support to him in the second round of presidential elections. I would have thought that in an executive presidency the government would consist of those who are from the president’s party.

There is confidence in the air that there will be change – good change. I wish the new president success in his commitment to serve the people to realize their aspirations.