Economic Minister Fayyaz Ismail has stated that he is not interested in becoming the running mate of President Ibrahim Solih ahead of the September 9 elections.

After local media reports claimed that Vice President Faisal Naseem, Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid, and Fayyaz were running for President Solih's running mate, Fayyaz tweeted, "I have no interest in this, for whatever reason this is a rumor being spread by Reeko Moosa, which is sad."

While Fayyaz has said that he is not interested in becoming a running mate, the President has not appointed one yet either. He had previously stated that his running mate might be from the coalition with Adhaalath Party and MDA.

Speaking to reporters after concluding President Solih's presidential campaign 'Ufaaveri Amaan Maldives' held in Fulidhoo yesterday, the President said that he is now thinking about selecting a running mate.

He said that his candidacy will be filed with a running mate.