Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Nasheed has announced his decision to step away from politics.
In a press statement, former President Nasheed said he had decided to step away from politics for a few years and he would not be contesting the parliamentary election. He also thanked those who had helped him in various ways during his political career.
Former President Nasheed has recently been appointed as the Secretary General of the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF). He said that he would be better able to serve the country in this post.
Nasheed was the first President elected under the current Constitution and served from 2008 to 2012. He was also instrumental in bringing democracy to the Maldives and the formation of the first political party under the current Constitution, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)