Maldives Reform Movement (MRM)'s leader Faris Maumoon has announced he will contest in the presidential elections as an independent candidate.

Faris made the announcement on Twitter on Sunday.

"I have decided to contest in this year's presidential elections as an independent candidate," Faris said in his video message.

Faris has secured 1,500 signatures to submit his candidacy for the elections, but is yet to submit his candidacy form to Elections Commission.