Chairperson of MDP Hassan Latheef speaking at press conference. PHOTO:Hussain Waheed/Mihaaru
There are ways to allow self-exiled Former President Mohamed Nasheed to run for the Presidential Elections 2018, declared the newly elected chairperson of main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Hassan Latheef on Wednesday.
Speaking at his first press conference as MDP’s chairperson, Latheef said that the party has proven its size to the nation during its chairperson elections despite the current difficult situation in the Maldives.
Noting that the party has no second thoughts on the prospect of Nasheed running for the presidential elections, Latheef vowed that every possible route would be taken to achieve it.
While MDP has decided that they will not give the electoral ticket to any another candidate, Nasheed is still counting the days of his 13 year jail sentence over the arbitrary detention of former Chief Judge of the Criminal Court, Abdulla Mohamed, during his administration. He is currently living in the United Kingdom under political asylum.
Latheef added that the individual branches of the party will also be strengthened, stating that MDP will carry out productive activities in the atolls as well.
Highlighting that the party is set to conduct their congress this year, Latheef said a date will be finalized later.
Responding to President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom’s call on top political figures who have sought asylum in London to come back to the Maldives, MD’s chairperson said that it is not up to President Yameen to decide Nasheed’s arrival date. Nasheed’s return right now would obstruct MDP’s action plan, he said.
“What Nasheed is doing abroad is very important for the whole nation. Despite President Yameen’s words, President Nasheed is acting in accordance with the wishes of MDP and himself.”