Nasheed embarks on campaign tour of northern Maldives

Leader of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and Parliament Speaker, former President Mohamed Nasheed has embarked on a tour of northern Maldives as part of his campaign to in the party’s ticket for the upcoming presidential elections.

Nasheed, who officially launched his election campaign ‘Fikuregge Dhirun’ on Wednesday night, arrived in his first stop in his campaign trail, HA. Hoarafushi, on Thursday.

He is set to visit three northern-most atolls in the first leg of his campaign tour.

Nasheed will travel to the following islands before end of December 31:

• HA. Atoll: Baarah, Ihavandhoo, Dhidhdhoo, Kelaa
• HDh. Atoll: Kulhudhuffushi, Vaikaradhoo, Kumundhoo
• Sh. Atoll: Milandhoo, Komandoo

He is set to attend a rally in Dhidhdhoo Thursday night.

MDP is set to hold its presidential primary on January 28. It will see Nasheed compete against President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

The upcoming primary has deepened the divide within MDP, with Nasheed’s loyalist accusing the government of attempting to influence the primary and undermine its fairness.

The allegations are denied by MDP members loyal to President Solih.