I don't want to rule with use of power: Maldives president

Los Angeles Herald (IANS) Tuesday 7th February, 2012

Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed quit Tuesday, saying: "I resign because I am not a person who wishes to rule with the use of power".

Nasheed said on state TV: "I resign because I am not a person who wishes to rule with the use of power. I believe that if the government were to remain in power it would require the use of force which would harm many citizens.

"I resign because I believe that if the government continues to stay in power, it is very likely that we may face foreign influences," minivannews.com quoted the 44-year-old president as saying.

"I have always wished the citizens of this country well, now and into the future. I have made this decision and I wish for your prosperity in this life and the life after."

Nasheed, elected only four years ago, resigned Tuesday following overnight protests, authorities and media reports said.

Vice President Mohammad Waheed was now the acting president.

The dramatic development followed overnight protests, sparked by the arrest on Nasheed's order of a judge over allegations of corruption.