Faris announces candidacy, appoints veteran health expert as running mate
One of the reasons why Faris decided to contest the presidential election on his own is believed to be that the dissolution of the MRM is currently in court.
By
Mohamed Muzayyin Nazim
MRM president Faris Maumoon on Sunday announced that he will contest the September 9 presidential election as an independent candidate.
MRM founder, former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom's son Faris announced his candidacy for the presidential election in a video message on his Twitter account on Sunday.
"Dear beloved, friendly people of Maldives, with the help of Allah, I have decided to contest this year's presidential election with the noble aim of reforming the affairs of Maldives," he said in a 30-second video message.
The former Dhiggaru MP has collected the 1,500 signatures required by law to contest the presidential election as an independent candidate last week.
One of the reasons why Faris decided to contest the presidential election on his own is believed to be that the dissolution of the MRM is currently in court. The Election Commission (EC) decided to dissolve the MRM because it did not have the 3,000 members required by law. The civil court had ordered a stay on the decision.
The court ruled in favour of MRM when the EC moved for review of the court order.
The MRM has previously accused the government of influencing its dissolution. However, the government denies this.
Meanwhile, Faris has appointed Dr Abdul Sattar Yousuf, a veteran public health official and expert, as his running mate.
