Faris, Umar file candidacy as independents
Nominations for the September 9 election closed at 2pm on Monday.
MRM president Faris Maumoon and former home minister Umar Naseer on Monday filed nomination papers to contest the September 9 presidential election as independent candidates.
At separate ceremonies at the election headquarters at Dharubaaruge, Faris, accompanied by his running mate Dr Abdul Sattar Yousuf, and Umar, accompanied by his running mate Maaz Saleem, handed over their nomination papers.
EC chair Fuad Thaufeeq received their forms.
Independent candidates are required by law to submit 1,500 signatures in support of their candidacy along with their nomination papers.
Faris said he received the backing of over 2,600 people, while Umar said he collected over 2,000 signatures.
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.
Nominations for the September 9 election closed at 2pm on Monday.
