As ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) prepares to hold its leadership elections next month, its co-founder Mohamed Nasheed has expressed interest for the post of president.

MDP will be electing a president and vice president on November 22, and those interested in the posts are to submit candidacy forms before 12pm on October 19.

The former president and current parliament speaker announced his decision to run for party president via Twitter on Tuesday, asking MDP members to vote for him.

Nasheed's announcement has prompted an campaign online, with a number of MDP members supporting his decision.

While no one is yet to announce interest for the post, Nasheed has been the party’s president since it was first registered in 2005. Mohamed Shifaz had been the VP until his appointment as a state minister last November.

As per MDP’s regulations, its highest authority is incumbent President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

The biggest political party in the country, MDP has a total of 53,590 registered members.