President Abdulla Yameen has declined an invitation to appear in RaajjeTV’s presidential debate, citing his busy schedule.

After two invites to the President, ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) on Wednesday declined on his behalf in a letter to the privately-run TV station.

However, Joint Opposition presidential candidate Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and his running mate Faisal Naseem have confirmed their participation.

In their letter, the ruling party stated that President Yameen has already accepted Maldives National University’s invitation to a presidential debate and that he does not have time for anymore due to his busy campaign schedule.

PPM has also declined running mate Dr. Mohamed Shaheem’s invite.

The only candidates running in the presidential election on September 23 are President Yameen, with his running mate Dr. Mohamed Shaheem, and Joint Opposition candidate Solih with Faisal.