President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's candidacy form for the upcoming presidential election has been submitted to the Election Commission (EC).

President Solih's candidacy form was handed over to EC President Fuwad Thaufeeq at a ceremony held at the Election Commission's presidential election headquarters, Dharubaaruge.

Mohamed Aslam, MP from Hithadhoo North constituency, has been appointed as the running mate of MDP's presidential candidate for next month's presidential election.

Deputy Leader of Maldives Development Alliance (MDA) Ali Mauroof, Deputy Chairperson of MDP Ibrahim Waheed (Ibrey), Thulhaadhoo MP Hisaan Hussain, Alifushi MP Mohamed Rasheed Hussain (Bigey) and Adhaalath Party Vice President Mohamed Iyad Hameed were present at the ceremony.

Speaking on the occasion, Vice President of the Commission Ismail Habib said that the Election Commission will legally respond to the applicant within 48 hours from the date of filing of the candidacy.

Habib said that non-acceptance of the candidacy form will be declared if it does not meet the eligibility criteria for the election or if the information and material required to be submitted for the election are not fulfilled. The reason for not accepting it will be communicated to the candidate in writing, he said.

While President Solih's candidacy form has been filed, former president Abdulla Yameen was the first candidate to file a candidacy. However, his candidature form was rejected by the EC on the ground that he did not meet the criteria.

Therefore, the case was filed in the Supreme Court on behalf of President Yameen. However, the verdict in the case is yet to be pronounced.