Nasheed criticizes those competing for parliament 'under false pretences'

Former President Mohamed Nasheed has criticized those competing for next month's parliamentary elections 'under false pretences,' describing it as identity fraud.

The ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) leader said this at the campaign launching ceremony for Thimarafushi constituency's candidate, Mohamed Musthafa, on Monday night; Musthafa is the current MP for the constituency.

Noting that some non-MDP candidates have been using the party's logo and colour in their campaign for the upcoming elections- with the slightest differences- Nasheed said that these people also seem to have adopted MDP's ideologies 'in the way they speak and act.'

While he did not give out any names, the former president claimed that there is no changing a person's nature and that 'a thief will always be a thief.'

Nasheed also addressed reports that he is supporting some non-MDP members for the parliamentary election, and called it 'an insult.'

Further assuring his support for all MDP candidates, Nasheed said "I do not want to even hear this [accusation] or partake in this debate."

While there have also been whispers that incumbent President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih does not support some MDP candidates, including Thimarafushi MP Musthafa, Nasheed dismissed it.

The president was unable to attend the party events held on Monday night, and Nasheed explained the reason for this.

Noting that the president had a meeting scheduled with the European Union delegation for 8:30pm, Nasheed said that the meeting 'ran late.'

He added that while he was able to quietly sneak out, President Solih 'had been unable to do so.'