Opposition leader and former President Mohamed Nasheed has applauded the Joint Opposition, on its decision "to field a common presidential candidate".
The opposition parties on Friday night announced their decision to put forth a member from Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) as a presidential candidate, with a running mate from Jumhooree Party.
The Joint Opposition comprises of MDP, Jumhooree Party, Adhaalath Party and former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s faction of ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM).
In a tweet posted after the announcement, former President Nasheed commended the “whole opposition” for its decision on “an MDP presidential candidate with a JP running mate”.
“I believe this is the way forward in restoring democracy in the Maldives”, said the former president, who earlier on Friday revealed his decision to withdraw from the presidential race, despite having won MDP’s ticket with over 40,000 votes
My heartfelt congratulations to the joint opposition parties who have today agreed to field a common Presidential ticket. A MDP presidential candidate with a JP running mate, backed by the whole opposition. I believe this is the way forward in restoring democracy in the Maldives.
Nasheed had said that his decision was based on the fact that the Elections Commission continues to maintain that he will not be able to contest in the polls.
He further added that the Commission’s “decision is illegal and they must be sanctioned”.
The former president is to officially relinquish his presidential ticket at MDP’s third congress on Saturday.
In light of the fact that @ElectionsMv have written to MDP saying that I can’t contest in the upcoming Presidential Elections, I have decided to relinquish my Presidential ticket. I hope to do this at MDP’s 3rd Congress. The EC’s decision is illegal and they must be sanctioned.
 
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