Former President Mohamed Nasheed (Anni) confirmed today that, due to factors barring his eligibility, he is forfeiting the Maldives Democratic Party (MDP) ticket, and will not be contesting in the upcoming Presidential Elections.
Nasheed, who is facing a 13-year jail sentence for terrorism charges, announced his withdrawal on a WhatsApp group shared between the parliamentary joint opposition group an hour earlier.
In his message, Nasheed stated that his decision to forfeit the presidential ticket for the upcoming elections was made in answer to rising concerns that MDP may not have a candidate, should the Elections Commission nullify his candidacy.
He stated that the decision would be formally announced at the MDP congress to be held at AA. Ukulhas on Saturday.
It is widely speculated that instead of Nasheed, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (Ibu) will contest in the upcoming elections. An official statement regarding Ibu’s candidacy is expected to be issued at the MDP congress as well.
Nasheed, who was granted asylum by the United Kingdom upon his visit to the country seeking medical treatment, faces charges pertaining to the unlawful imprisonment of Criminal Court’s presiding Judge Abdullah Mohamed during his presidency, criminal court.
Since Nasheed’s recent victory in the MDP Primaries held last month, he has faced considerable criticism as the remaining parties voiced their discontentment over Nasheed’s perceived efforts secure his own candidacy whilst the coalition continues to work towards selecting a joint candidate for the elections.
Owing to his guilty verdict, Nasheed is deemed constitutionally ineligible to run for the office of President.
In the wake of his declaration, Nasheed continues to receive praise from the participants of the parliamentary joint opposition WhatsApp group.
Ali Zahir, Vice President of Adhaalath Party, called Nasheed’s decision a gallant one.
“(It is)sure to calm the nerves of many, ” he said.
Parliament Member for South Galolhu Ahmed Mahloof stated that thousands of Maldivian citizens want Nasheed to contest in this September’s elections, adding that it was his wish to be part of an campaign for the election of a hardworking, brave candidate such as Nasheed.
“Considering our current situation, the decision taken today is truly a bold one. From the way the president’s (Nasheed) government changed, to the backlashes that he has faced since the beginning, the sacrifices and the mindset to serve his people, along with the actions he has taken, makes me feel from the bottom heart, that he well and truly deserves this opportunity”, said MP Mahloof, himself currently placed under house arrest.
Although Nasheed has now declared that he will not be contesting in the upcoming Presidential elections, his previous statements have continually insisted a window to run for President would crack open in the final stages of the electoral race.
“As of right now, there is no opportunity to contest the election. This will continue to be the case till the end. However, in the last moments, (they will) decide that I can contest in the election. My hope is that I will once more, win this election,” said Nasheed, when questioned following his official address during the annual meeting held last April by The Capital Mahajara Organization Limited (TMOL) in Sri Lanka.
Although Nasheed was convicted on the 13th of March 2015, he has served only a small measure of his prison term, as he travelled to the United Kingdom seeking medical treatment on the 18th of January 2016, where he has since received asylum and taken up residence.
However, over the last few months, Nasheed has been believed to have been spending the majority of his time in neighboring Sri Lanka.
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