Maldives National University (MNU) has stated Presidential Debate 2018 will continue as scheduled.
The invitation for the presidential debate was first accepted by presidential candidate of Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom. However, presidential candidate for Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has withdrawn from the debate, after initially accepting the invitation.
Speaking with PSM News, Vice Chancellor of MNU Ali Fawaz stated the organisers does not intend or have plans to cancel the presidential election, adding preparations for the debate are underway. Moreover, Ali Fawaz expressed hope to conduct the debate with the participation of the two candidates.
The presidential debate is a useful platform for the candidates to aware the public on their individuality, the manifesto for the next term and the development chart they envision for Maldives. The presidential debate is also a golden opportunity for the citizen to compare the presidential candidates.
Maldives has held presidential debate every election year since the establishment of a multi-party democracy in the country and gained full support from all the candidates contesting. The Presidential Debate 2018 is organised by MNU to ensure the debate is accepted by the public and will be held 10 days before the presidential election.
The debate is planned to be held in 3 rounds; which are the manifesto debate, debate of running mates and most importantly, the presidential debate. The manifesto debate is scheduled to be held in August while the running mate debate will be held on September, according to MNU.
PSM has signed as the media and marketing partner of the presidential debate.