Former President Mohamed Nasheed has said that he announced his bid for presidential candidacy along with his campaign for his party’s presidential elections.

The opposition leader said this at a pre-Ramadan fest held on his behalf by the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party’s Women’s Wing.

Nasheed said that while President Abdulla Yameen and ‘his cronies’ and supporters have been calling for his continued downfall and political regression, claiming he cannot contest the elections given his jail term, Nasheed said he could.

Nasheed told his supporters at the rally that he was ‘in no fit’ position to run for power against the president in 2008 and even 2013. Given that he had, Nasheed said that this is indicative that he will be allowed to this year as well.

Nasheed announced his adherence to the ‘blue economy’ sustainable development policy for Maldives’ future. Nasheed has also adopted his famed moniker ‘Island President’.