Former President of Maldives Mohammed Nasheed today announced his candidature for next Presidential elections in the country scheduled for 2018. Addressing a press conference in Colombo today, Mr. Nasheed hoped that his civil and political rights will be restored by the current Maldivian government making him eligible to contest the elections.
Mr. Nasheed who became the first democratically elected president in 2008, is currently living in exile in London, after he was charged in corruption cases and served a jail term in 2015. The former President was in Sri Lankan capital to hold a meeting of his party named Maldives Democratic party(MDP).
He expressed confidence of winning party’s ticket during primaries election but added that he is doubtful of the elections being held on time.
Mr. Nasheed bemoaned that international community is not doing enough to restore democratic rights in the island nation as opposition parties and media face a crackdown in his country. He demanded targeted sanctions on leaders in power including President Mohammed Yameen.
S/B- Mohammed Nasheed, Former President of Maldives The former President also warned again growing influence of Chinese companies and government in the economic sector in Maldives terming it a new phase of expansionism where a nation can be bought without the need to invade it. He said the country’s economy is in deep debt trap and a major part of loan is from China.