President Anni completed his first day in office with an impressive ceremony to meet with invitees to a party given by him and the vice president at Dharubaaruge.

Anni’s words at the Oath Ceremeony were consistent with his election promises, and assured the people that change will be a constant in his government. He received dignitories including the President Rajapakse of Sri Lanka and the Vice President of India, in his office. He later met with the press, through Maghrib prayer time which is perhaps unprecedented in the Maldivian Presidential Protocol.

Anni also appointed new members to the People’s Majlis, to represent him. He also submitted the structure of his cabinet for the approval of the Majlis, and said that he would be sending two envoys to visit the prison. He assured that due process will be followed and those who are eligible will be given a presidential pardon.

Anni also said that his government would give a pension of not less than 2000 Rufiyaa for the elderly (over 65 years of age) irrespective of who they served. This is a stark difference from the previous regime who had a culture of distributing national wealth and resources to those who served them and only them – example: land and pension.

The visiting dignitories, diplomats and media personnel who were at last night’s reception spoke highly of Anni and the People of Maldives.