9 take out candidacy forms for Presidential Elections 2018

President of Elections Commission, Ahmed Shareef gestures during a press conference. (File Photo/Sun/Mohamed Afrah)

Nine individuals have taken out candidacy forms to contend in the upcoming Presidential Elections 2018 so far, says Elections Commission (EC).

EC opened candidacy for the Presidential Elections last Monday, July 23.

Opposition coalition’s presidential candidate, Hinnavaru MP Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (Ibu) and his running mate MP Faisal Naseem submitted their candidacy form on Thursday. They received their letter of approval by EC this Saturday.

(From L-R) President of Elections Commission, Ahmed Shareef, opposition's presidential candidate MP Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (Ibu) and MP Faisal Naseem at the Elections Commission on July 26, 2018. (Photo/MDP)

President of EC, Ahmed Shareef reported to “Sun” that nine individuals have taken out candidacy forms from EC so far. But said only Ibu has submitted his form so far.

Incumbent President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, former Minister of Home Affairs Umar Naseer and former Vice President of Local Government Authority (LGA) Shujau Hussain have also announced their candidacy for the Presidential Elections.

The deadline for candidacy, which was originally August 4, was extended to August 10 by EC last Friday.

Secretary-General of ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), Dr. Abdulla Khaleel says the party will submit their candidate, Yameen’s form soon.

Incumbent President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom shakes hands with Secretary-General of PPM, Dr. Abdulla Khaleel (R) at a PPM rally on May 11, 2018. (File Photo/Sun/Fayaz Moosa)

“We will submit President Yameen’s form to the Elections [Commission] before the due date. There’s no reason to doubt that,” said Dr. Khaleel.

Only those eligible, and between the ages of 30 years to 65 years can apply for presidency. Each candidate is required to deposit an administrative fee of MVR 100,000.