President of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Mohamed Nasheed calls on members of his party who were defeated in the party primaries not to contest as independents. The appeal follows a Supreme Court verdict which has granted individuals who have been defeated in party primaries, the right to contest the parliamentary elections, as independents.
Referring to the verdict, former Maldivian President Nasheed expressed hope MDP members who were defeated in the party primaries would not go against the party charter and contest as independents. He expressed confidence all MDP members will prioritise the political interests of the nation and the party.
Despite Nasheed's pleas, the case, calling on the Supreme Court to allow individuals defeated in party primaries to contest the elections as independents was filed by Abdulla Jabir; a member of MDP who faced defeat in the party primary.
Nasheed also criticised courts of law, stating interference in elections is one of the reasons people have lost faith in the Maldivian courthouses. He further said it was not in the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court to extend the deadline to submit candidacy forms.