Fisheries Minister Dr. Mohamed Shainee says that former President Mohamed Nasheed has accepted that he cannot contest or win an election.

He made the statement in a tweet posted in response to the audio message sent by President Nasheed to members of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) National Congress.

In his tweet, Dr. Shainee said that this was floated as President Nasheed had accepted that he cannot contest or win an election. His tweet added the talk of an interim Government was to set stage so he can come back to power.

In his message the former President called on to back one candidate for the next Presidential elections and establish an interim Government. He said the candidate must carry out all procedures relating to an interim period during his tenure. This, President Nasheed said, included reforming judiciary, reforming the administration and create an environment for free and fair elections.