Exiled Maldives leader to stand for election

AFP, COLOMBO: The exiled former leader of the Maldives announced Thursday he would return to run for election as president of the troubled Indian Ocean nation, despite facing jail after a controversial conviction on terror-related charges. 
Mohamed Nasheed said he had decided to challenge President Abdullah Yameen in 2018 presidential elections following talks this week in Colombo with his Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).
“We have decided that the MDP will produce a candidate, I am hopeful to be that candidate,” the 49-year-old told reporters in Colombo after talks with party leaders who are living in exile in the Sri Lankan capital.
Nasheed is almost certain to be arrested on return to the Indian Ocean archipelago, whose reputation as an upmarket honeymoon destination has been battered by years of political unrest. He would be able to contest party primaries from outside the country, but would need to return to Male for the election.
The Maldives constitution bars Nasheed from being a candidate because of a 2015 criminal conviction.

Exiled Maldives leader to stand for election

AFP, COLOMBO: The exiled former leader of the Maldives announced Thursday he would return to run for election as president of the troubled Indian Ocean nation, despite facing jail after a controversial conviction on terror-related charges. Mohamed Nasheed said he had decided to challenge President Abdullah Yameen in 2018 presidential elections following talks this week in Colombo with his Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). We have decided that the MDP will produce a candidate, I am hopeful to be that candidate, the 49-year-old told reporters in Colombo after talks with party leaders who are living in exile in the Sri Lankan capital. Nasheed is almost certain to be arrested on return to the Indian Ocean archipelago, whose reputation as an upmarket honeymoon destination has been battered by years of political unrest. He would be able to contest party primaries from outside the country, but would need to return to Male for the election. The Maldives constitution bars Nasheed from being a candidate because of a 2015 criminal conviction.