RaajjeTV is facing difficulties in organizing its 2018 presidential debate due to the ruling party’s failure to respond to invitations, said the station.

While the station has sent two invitations to Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM)’s presidential candidate President Abdulla Yameen and his running mate Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, they are yet to accept or reject the invite.

The station had sent separate invitations to Yameen and Shaheem on July 9, and a second one was sent on August 12.

However, opposition candidate Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and running mate Faisal Naseem have accepted their invitations.

RaajjeTV’s chief operating officer Hussain Fiyaz Moosa said that they have been facing difficulties in organizing the debate due to the PPM candidate and running mate’s failure to respond to the invitation.

Noting that a debate can be conducted between two parties, Fiyaz said that there are various issues in going forth with just one candidate.

While President Yameen continues to ignore RaajjeTV’s debate invitation, he accepted Maldives National University (MNU)’s presidential debate invitation on Saturday.

RaajjeTV said that they will set a date and venue for the debate after discussing with those participating.