Faris takes neutral stand in presidential runoff
Faris, who finished on the sixth with just 2,979 votes or 1.35%, also held coalition talks with both PPM-PNC and MDP.
Former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom's son Faris Maumoon, who contested the September 9 presidential election as an independent candidate, decided on Wednesday to not support any candidate in the upcoming runoff.
Results of the September 9 election show main opposition PPM-PNC's Dr Mohamed Muizz leading the polls with 46%, while President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih secured 39%.
To win outright, a candidate needs more than 50% of the votes. Based on the results, a runoff between the top two contenders will take place on September 30.
Faris, who finished on the sixth with just 2,979 votes or 1.35%, also held coalition talks with both PPM-PNC and MDP.
At a press conference announcing his decision after the coalition negotiations, Faris said his aim was to share his proposals with both candidates and clarify what the MDP and PPP-PNC would be willing to accept.
Good discussions were held with both parties, he said. However, he decided not to support any particular side because:
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The reforms that need to be brought to the country are reforms that need to be brought to the entire system
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It would be difficult for a candidate from a major party to bring about such a change
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From the way parties are currently funded and operated, interests of the party and its financiers will be prioritised
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Party members also have an expectation that their interests should come first
“Therefore, it is almost certain that for a manifesto like the one we have proposed to be implemented by such a party,” he said.
"[We decided not to support a particular party] not because we don't trust anyone working for the parties. However, because of the structure of the parties."
However, Faris assured his supporters that he will not quit politics. He said he will field candidates in the next parliamentary election.
