Main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has warned the Elections Commission (EC) not to interfere with its primary election, slated for May 30.

EC has warned it would dissolve MDP if former President Mohamed Nasheed is allowed to contest in the primary, while he is the only individual to have submitted bid for candidacy.

In a letter to the Commision, MDP’s Deputy Secretary General Afshan Latheef described its attempts to take action against MDP 'as unlawful'.

The letter highlighted that only the full bench of the Supreme Court has the final say in determining a person’s candidacy and therefore the EC cannot question a candidate’s validity. Additionally, it reminded the Commission that the court had- on February 1- annulled Nasheed’s conviction and ordered his release.

MDP further said that the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention and its Human Rights Committee have concluded that Nasheed’s trial was unjustified.

Due to these reasons, MDP said Nasheed should be allowed to contest in the election.