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Opposition running mate joins pres campaign in south

Hours after being picked as the opposition alliance running mate, Jumhoory Party (JP) lawmaker Faisal Naseem has joined the ongoing campaign in the southernmost Atoll Addu.

Under the opposition parties' alliance agreement, JP would get to nominate the running mate to stand for the upcoming presidential elections alongside main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) nominated presidential candidate Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

Two senior party lawmakers and two of its deputy leaders had officially sought the nomination which was put to a secret vote at the 41 member JP council sit-down on Friday.

It was tightly run race between the two lawmakers MP Ali Hussain and MP Faisal Naseem as the latter edged the elections by a single vote. Kendhoo lawmaker Ali Hussain received 14 votes while the Kaashidhoo MP Faisal Naseem shaded the elections with 15 in favour.

Faisal had flown to Addu this morning to join up with Solih who has been campaigning in Addu since early Friday.

Faisal has also taken part in the door to door campaign with the presidential candidate and the duo is now expected to travel to Fuvahmulah city later Saturday.