Former Minister of Home Affairs Umar Naseer. PHOTO:Mihaaru file
Former Minister of Home Affairs Umar Naseer has decided to run for the Presidential Elections 2018 as an independent candidate after previously announcing his candidacy as a member of ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM).
Speaking to Mihaaru, Umar said despite his original intention to run as a candidate of PPM, he changed his decision as he doubts that PPM can conduct a fair primary for the presidential elections, based on its primary conducted for the upcoming Local Council Elections.
“There is no hope of having an independent Presidential Primary. Therefore, I have decided to compete as an independent candidate,” said Umar.
Umar noted that this does not mean that he will not take part in any government coalition activities.
Umar declared that the nation cannot be left in the hands of incumbent President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom or Former President Mohamed Nasheed.
“A third force will exist prior to the elections.”
The former Home Minister had also met the top opposition officials including former chairperson of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Ali Waheed, former Vice President Mohamed Jameel and deputy leader of Jumhoory Party Ameen Ibrahim last Wednesday.
Umar noted that no decisions were taken during these meetings as most of the officials are now members of the opposition coalition, Maldives United Opposition (MUO). However, he expressed hopes to receive the support of MUO as well.
“My name will among the presidential candidates, if not in jail.”
Umar added that President Yameen will not be able to win the Presidential Elections 2018, saying that the current president does not have anyone to form a coalition with.
He and President Yameen had competed in the PPM primary for the Presidential Elections 2013, which Umar had lost to the latter. Afterwards, Umar rose to become the Home Minister of President Yameen’s Cabinet. He later resigned, saying that he was not pleased with some decisions of the government.