MP Solih elected as opposition's presidential candidate 'only' in the event Nasheed cannot run

Main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has elected its parliamentary group leader, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih as its candidate for the upcoming presidential elections.

The Hinnavaru constituency MP was elected at its third national congress on Saturday, with 791 congressmen voting in favor.

Less than an hour before he was elected, a resolution was submitted to the congress by its de-facto leader and former president Mohamed Nasheed’s campaign manager during MDP’s primary for the presidential election. The Hithadhoo-North constituency MP had proposed Solih’s name as a presidential candidate, which was widely welcomed by the congress members.

However, the resolution has a clause stating that Nasheed will be the party’s candidate "if possible"- even if Solih is approved as the candidate- meaning that Solih will only be the candidate in the event that Nasheed is not allowed to run.

While former President Nasheed was elected as the party candidate for the elections with over 46,000 votes, he has decided to withdraw from the race due to Elections Commission’s insistence that he will not be allowed to contest. Nasheed was found guilty of terrorism and sentenced to 13 years in prison on 13th March 2015, and has since been granted asylum in the United Kingdom.

The opposition coalition on Friday announced its decision to field a common candidate for the presidential race, with a presidential candidate from MDP and running mate from Jumhooree Party. JP is yet to announce its running mate.