Former Attorney General Dr. Mohamed Munawar has officially announced his bid to run for the presidency.
At a press conference, Munawar, who had previously served as President of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), said he would be contesting in the upcoming presidential election as an independent candidate. He said he is not an agent and has not held discussions with any political leader prior to announcing his bid, adding that he is not interested in being any candidate’s running mate. He also heavily criticised the administration and its policies as well as the diplomatic relationship between the Maldives and India.
The presidential election will be held on September 9 and the Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM) will be accepting candidacies until the end of July 23. Individuals who have announced their intention to run in the election include President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, who won the MDP primary election, and the candidate of the main opposition coalition former President Abdulla Yameen, who is serving a five-year prison sentence over corruption and money laundering.
Additionally, President of the Maldives National Party (MNP) Mohamed Nazim received the party ticket uncontested while former Minister of Home Affairs Umar Naseer announced his intention to run in the election.