Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Deputy Leader Mohamed Shifaz has stated that it was doubtful whether incumbent President Abdullah Yameen Abdul Gayoom could contest in the 2018 elections.

Speaking in Thursday night’s edition of “Fala Suruhee”, Shifaz said that it was not possible for the Government to hoodwink the public for an extended period. He added that it was not possible for the President to contest in the next elections.

Shifaz added that the Government had claimed that the Local Council Elections was a semifinal. He challenged stating that even if the nation was to hold an election today, the opposition will win the election. He added that the voters for President Yameen would be even lower if the elections were free and fair.

“A win was achieved by working in unison. Citizens are well aware of President Yameen’s cruelty, the cruel acts of the political leaders. They are sure that there is no justice. President Yameen could not see another way to govern, without increasing the prices of basic staples. One of the main reasons why public voted against President Yameen was the arrest of Qasim Ibrahim close to the elections,” Shifaz said.

Shifaz further said that President Yameen still has not accepted that the elections were over, adding that he must accept defeat graciously.

He also said that the Maldives functioned on a multi-party system, which has been accepted by the public.

“We’ve seen the Government talking about things that do not make sense after the elections. Results of this election cannot be changed. They cannot hope to hoodwink the public more. President Yameen must accept this result,” Shifaz said.