President Yameen (L) and Former President Nasheed. FILE PHOTO/MIHAARU
Self-exiled Former President Mohamed Nasheed announced that he will take part in the Presidential Elections 2018 despite incumbent President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom’s portent that legal procedures would not allow the former to run.
Speaking to press about the future of main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), Nasheed declared that despite President Yameen’s fears over the prospect of Nasheed competing with him in the elections, he will put forward his candidacy. He said there is no reason he cannot take part, considering that the United Nation’s Working Group on Arbitrary Detention and other international agencies are calling for Nasheed’s immediate release.
Responding to President Yameen’s recent remarks of MDP members and supporters’ worshipful “circumambulation” of Nasheed, he declared that having people’s support is “no fault of [his]”.
“It saddens me that President Yameen [said such a thing because he] does not receive support from the public or his own party. It is very saddening; it’s no fault of mine,” said Nasheed.
Answering repeated questions from press regarding his candidacy, Former President Nasheed replied that as his candidacy was only accepted at the last minute during the Presidential Elections 2008, it may happen in 2018 as well.
Nasheed (L) and Shifaz pictured during a MDP event. FILE PHOTO/MDP
He urged international organizations and independent institutions to back him to secure his candidacy for the next presidential elections.
Nasheed added that it is shameful that politicians fear to compete with others and, as a defence, use legal tools. He declared that one can only move ahead through competition.
He also expressed hopes that Maldivian citizens are now “awake” and have realized the reality of the happenings around them.
The former president assured that efforts are being made to improve the current situation of the country prior to the elections, adding that he is seeking help from neighbouring India.
Nasheed also said that a transitional period is required to hold a free and fair election.
Saying that freedom of expression, right to free press and right to conduct political activities are being violated by the current government, Nasheed urged the nation to increase efforts to overcome the situation by upholding democracy and holding a free and fair election.
During the press conference held in Sri Lanka by MDP, Nasheed shared the recent decisions made by MDP with the press. He also claimed that should he be not allowed to run for the presidential elections, MDP will not give the electoral ticket to anyone else.
Former President Nasheed, who is sentenced to thirteen years in jail for the arbitrary detention of a judge during his administration, is currently living in the United Kingdom under political asylum.