President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, seeking re-election under the main-ruling MDP's presidential banner, has formally presented his candidacy forms to the Election Commission (EC).
The candidacy forms were received by EC's President Fuwad Thawfeek at a ceremony held at the Election Center at Dharubaaruge on Sunday morning. The forms were handed over by President Solih's Campaign Agent, Kinbidhoo MP Mohamed Nashiz.
President Solih has designated MDP Parliamentary Group Leader Mohamed Aslam as his running mate.
PPM's presidential candidate, former President Abdulla Yameen, has also submitted his candidacy forms to the EC. However, his candidacy was promptly rejected based on the fact that he is currently serving an 11-year prison sentence. Although the decision was challenged by Yameen at the Supreme Court, the top court upheld EC's decision as correct.
Meanwhile, Maldives National Party (MNP)'s Presidential candidate, Mohamed Nazim, has also submitted his candidacy forms. Although Candidates from The Democrats, Jumhooree Party, Maldives Reform Movement, the People's National Congress, and former Home Minister Umar Naseer have announced their intent to join the presidential race, they are yet to formalize their bids with the countdown to the candidacy submission deadline nearing its final day.
