Condemning attempted attack on Solih, Adhaalath calls to provide 'equal security and campaigning environment for all'

Adhaalath Party has "strongly" condemned the attempted attack on the opposition's presidential candidate Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, while out campaigning on the streets of Hulhumalé on Tuesday.

Condemning the attempted attack via twitter, the party called on relevant authorities, including Maldives Police Service (MPS), Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and the Elections Commission, "to facilitate equal security and campaigning environment for all parties".

Two men targeted Solih as he arrived in the capital's suburban district on Tuesday evening, as part of his door-to-door campaign. He was immediately taken behind a vehicle for protection.

Home Minister Azleen Ahmed condemned the attempted attack "in the strongest terms" and said that authorities will provide him with security "if requested" considering that he is a presidential candidate.

While police refused to comment further than "the attempted attack on Solih is being investigated", the campaign team was later attacked with engine oil filled packets as they were leaving an apartment building. Solih was once again safe, with senior opposition officials bearing the brunt of the attack. Journalists and media crew covering the opposition's campaign activities were also doused with engine oil as well.

Solih is the parliamentary group leader of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), who also condemned Tuesday's attempted attacks on the opposition presidential candidate and called on the government "to stop facilitating violent obstruction of peaceful political activity and to provide an environment conducive for a free and fair election".

While the Joint Opposition comprises of MDP, Adhaalath Party, Jumhooree Party and former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom's faction of ruling Pogressive Party of Maldives, all four have agreed to field a common candidate to challenge incumbent President Abdulla Yameen in September's presidential elections; a candidate from MDP and running mate from Jumhooree Party.

Speaking to the media, MP Solih said that President Yameen is resorting to such tactics "as he knows that he will not win through an election".