26 July 2018, MALE: The Joint Opposition coalition today submitted to the Elections Commission candidacy papers of its candidates for the upcoming presidential election in the Maldives.

Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (‘Ibu’) will contest for the presidency, with Faisal Naseem as his running mate. The first round of the presidential elections takes place on 23 September.

The opposition ticket is backed by the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), the Jumhoory Party (JP), the Adhaalath Party (AP), and by former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and his supporters.

Ibu Solih, the MP for Hinnavaru is the MDP’s parliamentary group leader; as well as the leader of the joint opposition Parliamentary Group. Faisal Naseem is the JP MP for Kaashidhoo.

Ibu and Faisal submitted their candidacy papers to the Elections Commissioner this morning.

The Elections Commission has said that the names of candidates for President will be confirmed within 48 hours.

The electoral body is largely made up of former party officials of President Yameen’s ruling PPM, and has been dogged by repeated allegations of political bias and collusion with the President.

ENDS