Former Attorney General Dr. Mohamed Munavvar said that his plan to run in the upcoming presidential election was not at the behest of Parliament Speaker Mohamed Nasheed and that he would not affiliate with any political leaders.
After a long absence from politics, Dr. Munavvar criticized the government over the Chagos issue early last year. After that, he was seen in Addu City with Speaker Nasheed during the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)'s presidential primary.
Dr. Munavvar's decision to contest in the presidential election has been met with criticism, with people accusing him of trying to divide the MDP's vote.
In a press conference held on Sunday, Dr. Munavvar said that Nasheed is a close friend and he is not consulting him to run in this year's presidential election.
"Some time ago, in the middle of last year, I told him [Nasheed] that I intended to contest in the presidential election. I have not had any discussions with him since then," he said.
Elaborating on why he was spotted with Nasheed during MDP's primary campaign, Dr. Munavvar said they coincidentally met at the airport. He said he was brought to the front rows of the flight and photographed together at Nasheed's request.
He said he has not consulted with any political leader about his candidacy. He also said that he is concerned about the deals the political leaders are making and the ways they are trying to split the government.
“I am not anyone's agent, I am not trying to be anyone's running mate, I will not withdraw my name if I am offered money,” he affirmed.
Munavvar served as Attorney General for 10 years during former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom's presidency. In 2008, Munavvar lost the MDP's presidential primary to Nasheed, who went on to win the presidential election that year. Munavvar left MDP soon after.
He then began working to form a political party called the Maldives Reform Movement. However, on February 10, 2014, the Elections Commission dissolved the party at the request of its council.
When asked if he would form a political party in the future, Munavvar said that he had no such intentions.
Dr. Munawwar said that the political party system was introduced in the Maldives to improve the lives of its citizens and the progress of the country. However, the corruption created by the system is increasing, and the country is being destroyed.
The political party system has almost failed, and the parties need to be reformed with a set of common standards and rules to be followed by all parties, he said.
Dr. Munavvar said he would soon share the details and plans of the government that he will form.
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