Nasheed calls on President Yameen to allow opponents to run for presidency

Former President Mohamed Nasheed has called on incumbent President Abdulla Yameen to give the opportunity for his opponents to run against him for a substancial election to take place.

The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party leader said this speaking at the campaign gathering held in Gaaf Dhaal atoll Thinadhoo through skype.

In the gathering under for his campaign, Nasheed who is currently in Sri Lanka under self-exile, said that the upcoming presidential race is much bigger and more significant than President Yameen. As such, Nasheed appealed on President Yameen

"I sincerely urge President Yameen to give a second thought to his decision regarding the presidential election. To hold it in a valid and decent manner by letting opponents run so that there is someone to compete with" said Nasheed.

Nasheed also said that President Yameen had taken all the power into the palm of his hand and dissolved the judicial system in the country by arresting two justices of the Supreme Court upon them issuing a ruling that allowed Nasheed to run for presidency.

Although Nasheed is not in the Maldives, his campaign "Jazeera Raees" which translates to "Island President" is proceeding with it's team having visited over 30 islands to meet and speak with residents to garner support for Nasheed's candidacy.

The former president had also spoken to residents of over 40 islands through skype.

Nasheed's bid for the ballots was endorsed by a total of 7,739 signatures and was submitted to party chairperson Hassan Latheef at an event held on Saturday. Nasheed's campaign manager and Hithadhoo-North constituency MP, Mohamed Aslam had submitted the candidacy form on his behalf.

While the deadline to apply bids for the MDP party primaries slated for the 30th of May had ended at 12pm on Saturday, President Nasheed is the only candidate to have applied to contest for the party ticket.