Maldives opposition rally against new govt

Former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed (C) waves at his supporters as he walks on a street after a protest in Male, Feb 11, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

MALE - Amidst the Maldives new president collecting parties to form a coalition government with the international blessing, the supporters of former president Mohamed Nasheed protested in the capital city of Male on Saturday night.

The supporters of Maldevian Democratic Party (MDP) together with Nashhed and his members of parliament gathered to a beach front park and staged a public demonstration demanding the newly appointed president Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan to step down and hold an early election.

"We don't accept Waheed as our president. This is a coup government. He is not a people elected president like Nasheed," a party supporters said.

They said that they would continue to protest if Waheed fails to resign and announce an early election.

Supporters of former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed shout slogans as they hold up placards during a protest in Male, Feb 11, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

Nasheed, who alleged he was overthrown by a coup orchestrated by the military and backed by the opposition and former regime, had said he would lead street fights in the island nation until a snap poll is held.

However a number of foreign countries including United States has accepted Waheed's appointment and asked Nasheed to join his proposed coalition government.