Pres to submit nomination papers on Friday

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said on Wednesday that he will determine his running mate on Wednesday evening or Thursday, and will submit his nomination papers to the Elections Commission on Friday.

The president was responding to questions from reporters in HDh. Hanimaadhoo, where he is campaigning for the upcoming presidential election.

"The final discussions are now underway to determine my running mate," the president said. "I have nominations for the running mate, and the final discussion meeting will be held after I arrive in Male."

The president said that it was possible to appoint incumbent Vice President Faisal Naseem as his running mate. However, he also said that there was a possibility of a "new face" being chosen.

Replying to a question on the date of submission of his nomination papers, the president said that he would submit his nomination forms on Thursday or Friday.

"I intend to file with a running mate by Friday at the latest," he said.

The deadline for nominations expires next Monday, and so far only PPM presidential candidate Abdullah Yameen, who is serving a jail sentence, has submitted his nomination forms. The Elections Commission has rejected Yameen's candidacy.

In addition to Yameen and President Solih, the following candidates have decided to contest the election: