Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has called to delay the upcoming local council elections, following the confirmation of the novel coronavirus in the country.

The former president who is the leader of ruling coalition partner Maldives Reform Movement, took to Twitter on Tuesday to express his concerns regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. He called to delay the council elections to a later date.

The upcoming local council and women's development committee elections are slated for April 4th. However, with the confirmation of Covid-19 cases in the country, political parties such as the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), Jumhooree Party (JP) and the opposition progressive coalition also put a halt to campaign activities.

While many members of the public and some politicians have called for the upcoming elections to be delayed, the government has revealed that this is being considered.

There are currently six confirmed cased of Covid-19 infection in the Maldives.