Maldives’ Joint Opposition will do ‘everything’ to ensure that the upcoming presidential elections are free and fair, says opposition leader and former President Mohamed Nasheed.

Nasheed said this via a tweet sent out in Dhivehi on Thursday, where he also reiterated the joint opposition’s commitment to unite behind a single candidate for the ballots, with the first round slated for early September.

“We will beat President Yameen,” he added to the tweet

His comments are directed towards statements made by various government and ruling party officials, who claim that the joint opposition’s difference will not allow them to back the same candidate.

Earlier this week, his Maldivian Democratic Party’s chair Hassan Latheef revealed that they are currently working on a manifesto, which is to include their opinions regarding uniting behind a single candidate. He added that ‘there is no reason’ for them to not be able to field a single candidate.

Also this week, opposition parties decided to boycott meetings with the Elections Commission, accusing the institution of working in favor of the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM).