Maldives Ambassador to Sri Lanka Mohamed Hussain Shareef has claimed of no growing concerns by government over former president Mohamed Nasheed's frequent political conduct in Sri Lanka.
While giving an exclusive interview to News First, a Lankan broadcast channel, Shareef said Nasheed does not pose any challenges since "he cannot run for office anymore because [of course he has a] pending conviction."
The Maldivian Ambassador to Lanka also said that it is in the best interest of the opposition to find a proper alternative to Nasheed for the upcoming elections which is due in 9 months, presumably around September-October of 2018.
The Maldivian Embassy chief at Lanka said the ruling PPM is not bothered whether Nasheed can run for presidency or not as they are astutely clear that Nasheed's pending criminal sentence disbars him from becoming an eligible candidate.
Shareef also said that Nasheed does not "know(s) what he is doing," and adding the self exiled president frequents Lanka because it is "the best of both worlds" for him. This was to say that Nasheed who has a pending conviction at homeland, can come as close to home as to neighboring Lanka where his affiliates and supporters can be persuaded and himself updated over the proceedings of political arena in Maldives.
Shareef also added that the self-exiled former president visits Lanka as a means to "stay relevant" in his political party - the Maldives Democratic Party (MDP).
"And there's a strong lobby within the opposition who want to move on from Nasheed because he ran [in presidential elections] twice. First time in 2008 he won, 2013 he lost, so they are looking for prospective younger candidates as well. But he is not very comfortable with that, [I think he still wants remain relevant]," Shareef said over the tussle formed inside the MDP top ranks.
Apart from this, Shareef also discussed over the growing ties and the historical bond between Lanka and Maldives focusing on how both nations stood side by side at times of desperation and need.
