Nasheed on India Out campaign: Don't involve other countries in election

Parliament speaker Mohamed Nasheed on Sunday urged presidential candidates not to get foreign countries involved in election matters.

Replying to a question from Atoll Times about Indian influence, which has become the biggest issue in this year's presidential election, Nasheed said that the election is being held to elect a leader of the Maldivian people, and that it will be Maldivians casting votes in the polls.

"I have to say, however, that candidates should not involve other countries in this election. This is our election. The people of this country have to vote for this. We are [voting] to elect a president of this country”.

The opposition has been carrying out a campaign called India Out, accusing the government of allowing Indian troops to be stationed in Maldives and signing secret deals with India.

The opposition PPM-PNC presidential candidate, Dr Mohamed Muizz has said that the Indian troops in Maldives should leave under his rule.

JP leader Gasim Ibrahim, who contested the first round of the presidential election on September 9, demanded clarification of the allegations involving India during his negotiations with President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on forming a coalition for the September 30 presidential runoff.

Although the JP did not support any candidate in the second round of the election, some of its senior leaders have decided to support President Solih.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has repeatedly said that there will be no foreign troops in Maldives for military purposes.