MALE, Maldives (AP) — Ibrahim Mohamed Solih took over as president of the Maldives on Saturday following a fierce political discord caused by the autocratic rule of outgoing leader Yameen Abdul Gayoom.

Thousands of people cheered Solih, from the Maldivian Democratic Party, at a swearing-in ceremony in a soccer stadium chosen to accommodate a large number of his supporters. Chief Justice Abdulla Didi administered the oath of office to the 54-year-old Solih.

The Maldives, an Indian Ocean archipelago known for its luxury resorts, became a multiparty democracy in 2008.

Since getting elected in 2013, Yameen had cracked down on political dissent, jailing rivals and Supreme Court justices. But he suffered an unexpected defeat at the hands of Solih in September's presidential election.

Neighboring India has been concerned by a growing Chinese influence under Yameen, who signed a series of infrastructure projects with Beijing.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the top foreign dignitary to attend Saturday's ceremony. Modi is trying to reset bilateral ties that suffered during Yameen's rule.

Solih faces a challenging task of balancing ties with powerful India and China. He will also have to battle widespread corruption and rising Islamist extremism.

Yameen's attempt to cling to power was dashed by the Supreme Court, which dismissed his petition seeking an annulment of the election result. His party challenged the result, alleging vote rigging, fraud and corruption in the election process.

Solih was chosen as the opposition candidate in July after exiled former President Mohamed Nasheed abandoned plans to run because of a past criminal conviction that made him ineligible. On Saturday, he attended Solih's swearing-in ceremony after his return from exile in London and Colombo, the capital of neighboring Sri Lanka.</s>New president replaces autocratic leader in the Maldives

MALE, Maldives (AP) — Ibrahim Mohamed Solih took over as president of the Maldives on Saturday following a fierce political discord caused by the autocratic rule of outgoing leader Yameen Abdul Gayoom.

Thousands of people cheered Solih, from the Maldivian Democratic Party, at a swearing-in ceremony in a soccer stadium chosen to accommodate a large number of his supporters. Chief Justice Abdulla Didi administered the oath of office to the 54-year-old Solih.

The Maldives, an Indian Ocean archipelago known for its luxury resorts, became a multiparty democracy in 2008.

Since getting elected in 2013, Yameen had cracked down on political dissent, jailing rivals and Supreme Court justices. But he suffered an unexpected defeat at the hands of Solih in September's presidential election.

Neighboring India has been concerned by a growing Chinese influence under Yameen, who signed a series of infrastructure projects with Beijing.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the top foreign dignitary to attend Saturday's ceremony. Modi is trying to reset bilateral ties that suffered during Yameen's rule.

Solih faces a challenging task of balancing ties with powerful India and China. He will also have to battle widespread corruption and rising Islamist extremism.

Yameen's attempt to cling to power was dashed by the Supreme Court, which dismissed his petition seeking an annulment of the election result. His party challenged the result, alleging vote rigging, fraud and corruption in the election process.

Solih was chosen as the opposition candidate in July after exiled former President Mohamed Nasheed abandoned plans to run because of a past criminal conviction that made him ineligible. On Saturday, he attended Solih's swearing-in ceremony after his return from exile in London and Colombo, the capital of neighboring Sri Lanka.</s>New president replaces autocratic leader in the Maldives

MALE, Maldives (AP) — Ibrahim Mohamed Solih took over as president of the Maldives on Saturday following a fierce political discord caused by the autocratic rule of outgoing leader Yameen Abdul Gayoom.

Thousands of people cheered Solih, from the Maldivian Democratic Party, at a swearing-in ceremony in a soccer stadium chosen to accommodate a large number of his supporters. Chief Justice Abdulla Didi administered the oath of office to the 54-year-old Solih.

The Maldives, an Indian Ocean archipelago known for its luxury resorts, became a multiparty democracy in 2008.

Since getting elected in 2013, Yameen had cracked down on political dissent, jailing rivals and Supreme Court justices. But he suffered an unexpected defeat at the hands of Solih in September's presidential election.

Neighboring India has been concerned by a growing Chinese influence under Yameen, who signed a series of infrastructure projects with Beijing.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the top foreign dignitary to attend Saturday's ceremony. Modi is trying to reset bilateral ties that suffered during Yameen's rule.

Solih faces a challenging task of balancing ties with powerful India and China. He will also have to battle widespread corruption and rising Islamist extremism.

Yameen's attempt to cling to power was dashed by the Supreme Court, which dismissed his petition seeking an annulment of the election result. His party challenged the result, alleging vote rigging, fraud and corruption in the election process.

Solih was chosen as the opposition candidate in July after exiled former President Mohamed Nasheed abandoned plans to run because of a past criminal conviction that made him ineligible. On Saturday, he attended Solih's swearing-in ceremony after his return from exile in London and Colombo, the capital of neighboring Sri Lanka.</s>MALÉ - Ibrahim Mohamed Solih was inaugurated Saturday as the new president of the Maldives after the opposition united to dislodge pro-China strongman leader Abdulla Yameen in September elections.

Solih, 54, emerged as common opposition candidate as all key dissidents were either jailed or forced into exile by Yameen who took power following a controversial run-off in 2013.

At a special session of parliament held at the National Football Stadium in the capital Male, Solih was sworn in with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi among those in attendance.

The Maldives foreign ministry said China’s culture minister Luo Shugang was also an invitee.

Modi’s presence was a reflection of the relief felt in India, which has long held sway in the archipelago, and in the West that Yameen was voted out. The United States and the European Union had threatened sanctions if the vote had not been free and fair.

Both neighbouring India and Western nations watched with concern as Yameen moved closer to Beijing which loaned the strategically placed archipelago millions of dollars for infrastructure.

“I am confident that my visit will herald a new era of even closer exchanges and cooperation between our two countries,” Modi said on Facebook, especially in “infrastructure, health care, connectivity and human resource development.”

Solih’s Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has pledged to end what it called “China’s colonialism” and to resist a “land grab” in the country which straddles key East-West shipping routes.

MDP leader and former president Mohamed Nasheed has vowed his party would reduce reliance on China and renegotiate millions of dollars in loans taken from Beijing.

More than 80 percent the Maldives foreign debt is owed to China, he said.

China has also loaned other countries around the Indian Ocean and beyond large amounts of money for infrastructure projects as part of Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative, alarming the West.

Sri Lanka last year granted a 99-year lease on the Hambantota deep-sea port to Beijing, after it was unable to repay Chinese loans for the $1.4-billion project.

Mahinda Rajapakse, Sri Lanka’s prime minister when Colombo took out the loans, is looking to return to power in the severe current political crisis gripping the island nation.

During a recent visit to Colombo in the middle of his election campaign, Solih told reporters that he wanted to repair ties with immediate neighbours Sri Lanka and India.

Yameen awarded major infrastructure projects to China while taking away a major airport development from India.

He also relied on Beijing for diplomatic support as the Maldives faced international isolation over his dismal rights record.

Modi had cancelled his first visit to the country in 2015 after Yameen detained pro-India Nasheed and eventually had him convicted on a terrorism charge and jailed for 13 years.</s>New president replaces autocratic leader in the Maldives

MALE, Maldives (AP) — Ibrahim Mohamed Solih took over as president of the Maldives on Saturday following a fierce political discord caused by the autocratic rule of outgoing leader Yameen Abdul Gayoom.

Thousands of people cheered Solih, from the Maldivian Democratic Party, at a swearing-in ceremony in a soccer stadium chosen to accommodate a large number of his supporters. Chief Justice Abdulla Didi administered the oath of office to the 54-year-old Solih.

The Maldives, an Indian Ocean archipelago known for its luxury resorts, became a multiparty democracy in 2008.

Since getting elected in 2013, Yameen had cracked down on political dissent, jailing rivals and Supreme Court justices. But he suffered an unexpected defeat at the hands of Solih in September's presidential election.

Neighboring India has been concerned by a growing Chinese influence under Yameen, who signed a series of infrastructure projects with Beijing.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the top foreign dignitary to attend Saturday's ceremony. Modi is trying to reset bilateral ties that suffered during Yameen's rule.

Solih faces a challenging task of balancing ties with powerful India and China. He will also have to battle widespread corruption and rising Islamist extremism.

Yameen's attempt to cling to power was dashed by the Supreme Court, which dismissed his petition seeking an annulment of the election result. His party challenged the result, alleging vote rigging, fraud and corruption in the election process.

Solih was chosen as the opposition candidate in July after exiled former President Mohamed Nasheed abandoned plans to run because of a past criminal conviction that made him ineligible. On Saturday, he attended Solih's swearing-in ceremony after his return from exile in London and Colombo, the capital of neighboring Sri Lanka.</s>New president replaces autocratic leader in the Maldives

MALE, Maldives (AP) — Ibrahim Mohamed Solih took over as president of the Maldives on Saturday following a fierce political discord caused by the autocratic rule of outgoing leader Yameen Abdul Gayoom.

Thousands of people cheered Solih, from the Maldivian Democratic Party, at a swearing-in ceremony in a soccer stadium chosen to accommodate a large number of his supporters. Chief Justice Abdulla Didi administered the oath of office to the 54-year-old Solih.

The Maldives, an Indian Ocean archipelago known for its luxury resorts, became a multiparty democracy in 2008.

Since getting elected in 2013, Yameen had cracked down on political dissent, jailing rivals and Supreme Court justices. But he suffered an unexpected defeat at the hands of Solih in September's presidential election.

Neighboring India has been concerned by a growing Chinese influence under Yameen, who signed a series of infrastructure projects with Beijing.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the top foreign dignitary to attend Saturday's ceremony. Modi is trying to reset bilateral ties that suffered during Yameen's rule.

Solih faces a challenging task of balancing ties with powerful India and China. He will also have to battle widespread corruption and rising Islamist extremism.

Yameen's attempt to cling to power was dashed by the Supreme Court, which dismissed his petition seeking an annulment of the election result. His party challenged the result, alleging vote rigging, fraud and corruption in the election process.

Solih was chosen as the opposition candidate in July after exiled former President Mohamed Nasheed abandoned plans to run because of a past criminal conviction that made him ineligible. On Saturday, he attended Solih's swearing-in ceremony after his return from exile in London and Colombo, the capital of neighboring Sri Lanka.</s>New president replaces autocratic leader in the Maldives

MALE, Maldives (AP) — Ibrahim Mohamed Solih took over as president of the Maldives on Saturday following a fierce political discord caused by the autocratic rule of outgoing leader Yameen Abdul Gayoom.

Thousands of people cheered Solih, from the Maldivian Democratic Party, at a swearing-in ceremony in a soccer stadium chosen to accommodate a large number of his supporters. Chief Justice Abdulla Didi administered the oath of office to the 54-year-old Solih.

The Maldives, an Indian Ocean archipelago known for its luxury resorts, became a multiparty democracy in 2008.

Since getting elected in 2013, Yameen had cracked down on political dissent, jailing rivals and Supreme Court justices. But he suffered an unexpected defeat at the hands of Solih in September's presidential election.

Neighboring India has been concerned by a growing Chinese influence under Yameen, who signed a series of infrastructure projects with Beijing.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the top foreign dignitary to attend Saturday's ceremony. Modi is trying to reset bilateral ties that suffered during Yameen's rule.

Solih faces a challenging task of balancing ties with powerful India and China. He will also have to battle widespread corruption and rising Islamist extremism.

Yameen's attempt to cling to power was dashed by the Supreme Court, which dismissed his petition seeking an annulment of the election result. His party challenged the result, alleging vote rigging, fraud and corruption in the election process.

Solih was chosen as the opposition candidate in July after exiled former President Mohamed Nasheed abandoned plans to run because of a past criminal conviction that made him ineligible. On Saturday, he attended Solih's swearing-in ceremony after his return from exile in London and Colombo, the capital of neighboring Sri Lanka.</s>MALE, Maldives (AP) — Ibrahim Mohamed Solih took over as president of the Maldives on Saturday following a fierce political discord caused by the autocratic rule of outgoing leader Yameen Abdul Gayoom.

Thousands of people cheered Solih, from the Maldivian Democratic Party, at a swearing-in ceremony in a soccer stadium chosen to accommodate a large number of his supporters. Chief Justice Abdulla Didi administered the oath of office to the 54-year-old Solih.

The Maldives, an Indian Ocean archipelago known for its luxury resorts, became a multiparty democracy in 2008.

Since getting elected in 2013, Yameen had cracked down on political dissent, jailing rivals and Supreme Court justices. But he suffered an unexpected defeat at the hands of Solih in September's presidential election.

Neighboring India has been concerned by a growing Chinese influence under Yameen, who signed a series of infrastructure projects with Beijing.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the top foreign dignitary to attend Saturday's ceremony. Modi is trying to reset bilateral ties that suffered during Yameen's rule.

Solih faces a challenging task of balancing ties with powerful India and China. He will also have to battle widespread corruption and rising Islamist extremism.

Yameen's attempt to cling to power was dashed by the Supreme Court, which dismissed his petition seeking an annulment of the election result. His party challenged the result, alleging vote rigging, fraud and corruption in the election process.

Solih was chosen as the opposition candidate in July after exiled former President Mohamed Nasheed abandoned plans to run because of a past criminal conviction that made him ineligible. On Saturday, he attended Solih's swearing-in ceremony after his return from exile in London and Colombo, the capital of neighboring Sri Lanka.</s>New president replaces autocratic leader in the Maldives

MALE, Maldives (AP) — Ibrahim Mohamed Solih took over as president of the Maldives on Saturday following a fierce political discord caused by the autocratic rule of outgoing leader Yameen Abdul Gayoom.

Thousands of people cheered Solih, from the Maldivian Democratic Party, at a swearing-in ceremony in a soccer stadium chosen to accommodate a large number of his supporters. Chief Justice Abdulla Didi administered the oath of office to the 54-year-old Solih.

The Maldives, an Indian Ocean archipelago known for its luxury resorts, became a multiparty democracy in 2008.

Since getting elected in 2013, Yameen had cracked down on political dissent, jailing rivals and Supreme Court justices. But he suffered an unexpected defeat at the hands of Solih in September's presidential election.

Neighboring India has been concerned by a growing Chinese influence under Yameen, who signed a series of infrastructure projects with Beijing.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the top foreign dignitary to attend Saturday's ceremony. Modi is trying to reset bilateral ties that suffered during Yameen's rule.

Solih faces a challenging task of balancing ties with powerful India and China. He will also have to battle widespread corruption and rising Islamist extremism.

Yameen's attempt to cling to power was dashed by the Supreme Court, which dismissed his petition seeking an annulment of the election result. His party challenged the result, alleging vote rigging, fraud and corruption in the election process.

Solih was chosen as the opposition candidate in July after exiled former President Mohamed Nasheed abandoned plans to run because of a past criminal conviction that made him ineligible. On Saturday, he attended Solih's swearing-in ceremony after his return from exile in London and Colombo, the capital of neighboring Sri Lanka.</s>Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih | Photo; Credit: AP;, File Image

Male: After leaving the Commonwealth of Nations in 2016, the Maldives is set to rejoin the organization under the new leadership of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. The decision was taken during a Cabinet meeting held on November 19, where "Ministers underscored the advantages of being a Commonwealth member, particularly noting that it would open up several opportunities to the Maldivian people, especially for the youth," according to an official release.

"In this regard, Ministers discussed the facilitation of education scholarships and the vast opportunities for Maldivian athletes to perform internationally," the statement further noted while highlighting further recommendations made by the ministers towards this.

The release further noted that the decision was taken by Solih after extensive deliberations and recommendations from the Cabinet. "The Cabinet Ministers noted the importance of Maldives being a member of the Commonwealth, especially in keeping in line with other members of the international community with regard to upholding and promoting human rights, freedom of expression, and democracy," while mentioning, "Furthermore, the Ministers highlighted the importance of promoting sustainable development while ensuring environmental protection."

The final date of rejoining the Commonwealth Nations has not yet been decided, as the release noted that the respective authorities are currently in the process of setting things in motion for the Maldives to re-join the Commonwealth.

The Asian island-nation first became a member of the Commonwealth on July 9, 1982, following which the nation decided to pull out of the 53-nation organization on October 13, 2016, citing the uncalled interference by the group in the country's political discourse. The decision had come in the midst of mounting pressure from the Commonwealth over corruption and deteriorating human rights in the Maldives.

Solih also established a committee for the liberation of political prisoners which led to the release of former Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed, former Justice Ali Hameed, former Prosecutor General Muhthaz Muhsin and former magistrate Ahmed Nihan from house arrest on November 19, according to the Maldives Independent.

Solih further urged all ministers in the Cabinet to "steer away from any form of corruption" in executing their respective mandates during the meeting held on the same day.

During the same meeting, the newly elected leader discussed details regarding his government's First 100 Days programme with the Cabinet, following which the group of ministers decided to initiate the implementation of the First 100 Days' Goals set by Solih.

"Discussions were also held on the rapid assessments conducted by the transition office, to determine the current status of government institutions. Members deliberated on the current budget and forecasted budget set for the operation of Ministries and State enterprises, and the rules and regulations set for the institutions," according to the government's official news portals, Sarukaaru Khabaru.

"Moreover, discussions were held on the special programmes currently being undertaken by the government institutions and those planned for the future, and national level programmes being conducted by the institutions," the release stated while adding, "The Cabinet also discussed extensively, on ways to resolve the challenges highlighted in the findings of the transitional committees."

The Maldives' new President, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, was sworn in on November 17 in a ceremony which was attended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
President of the Maldives Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and his Cabinet announce that the Maldives is set to return to be a member of the Commonwealth of Nations as a Commonwealth republic.