Opposition presidential candidate, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has accused the government of spreading rumors of plots threatening national security 'to delay election'.

Solih, who left on a tour of Thaa atoll on Sunday morning, said this while speaking at the atoll's Gaadhiffushi island and is directed towards Defence Minister Adam Shareef's Facebook post saying the military has been receiving reports of plans to create unrest in the country.

Questioning whether such critical information should be shared via a minister's own account, Solih said that the fact it was done so as such 'is absurd'.

Noting that this should be announced officially through either the defence or home ministry, adding that these institutions should take the necessary measures.

"I saw it [the announcement] as a joke, as a way to delay or disrupt the upcoming election or to instill fear amongst the people," Solih said.

While Minister Shareef's Facebook post revealed reports of plans to create unrest in the country, Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has not shared any details on the matter. Neither has the police, who the minister's post noted are working closely with the military.