Muizzu, aged 45, was sworn in at the Special Assembly of the People’s Majlis, conducted at Republic Square.
Engineer-turned-politician Mohamed Muizzu assumed the role of the eighth President of the Maldives in a ceremony attended by numerous foreign dignitaries, including India’s Union Minister Kiren Rijiju. The inauguration, held at Republic Square’s Special Assembly of the People’s Majlis, saw Chief Justice Muthasim Adnan administering the oath of office to Muizzu.
Accompanied by his spouse Saajidha Mohamed, Muizzu also witnessed Hussain Mohamed Latheef taking the oath as the 10th vice president of the Maldives. Notable attendees included former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Mohamed Nasheed, Dr. Mohamed Waheed, and other local and international leaders. Muizzu, known for his close ties with China, defeated incumbent Solih in the September presidential runoff.
Foreign dignitaries present encompassed Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Bangladesh’s Minister for Information Hasan Mahmud, Pakistan’s Federal Minister of Information & Broadcasting Murtaza Solangi, Seychelles’ Vice President Ahmed Afif, and China’s Special Envoy and State Councillor Shen Yiqin.
The ceremony attracted leaders, diplomats, and officials from around the world, with attendees such as the UAE’s Minister of Justice Abdullah bin Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi, UNESCAP Under-Secretary-General Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland KC, and Türkiye’s Minister of Culture & Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy.
Muizzu’s educational background includes degrees in Structural Engineering from the University of London and a Ph.D. in Civil Engg. from the University of Leeds.
India, anticipating strengthened bilateral relations, conveyed its congratulations to Muizzu, emphasizing productive discussions with the new Maldivian leadership. Muizzu’s cabinet members will take their oaths later at the President’s Office, followed by the presentation of appointment letters to top officials.
In a resignation announcement as Male city mayor, Muizzu expressed gratitude to fellow councilors and city officials for their cooperation during his tenure.