While the Elections Commission (EC) is yet to receive the candidacy application for September’s election from President Abdulla Yameen, his running mate Dr. Mohamed Shaheem has refused to respond to the issue.

Some have claimed that President Yameen is unable to submit his candidacy application due to a case being investigated by Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) involving him and one million dollars.

Responding to a question from a RaajjeMV journalist before leaving for a campaign trip to Malaysia, Dr. Shaheem claimed ignorance on the issue and said that only the ruling party can respond to such questions.

Dr. Shaheem also refused to say when President Yameen would apply for candidacy and instead said that they remain steadfast in moving forward.

Speaking on his four-day trip to Malaysia, Dr. Shaheem said that he will meet with Maldivians in the country and conduct campaign events and that he will begin a trip to Haa Dhaalu atoll upon his return.

He said that he will be unable to visit all the islands during the brief period before the elections, but will visit and conduct campaign activities in islands with high populations.