Nasheed

The presidential debate scheduled ahead of the second round of the presidential election has been cancelled, after presidential candidate of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Mohamed Nasheed found it “difficult to make time” for the debate.

In a letter sent to Maldives Broadcasting Corporation (MBC), MDP said that it was difficult for Nasheed to make time for the second round presidential debate, as he has several trips and events planned, and has already participated in the first round debate.

MBC said in a statement issued today that the debate, organised in collaboration with the Maldives National University and scheduled for tomorrow night, has been cancelled.

According to the statement, the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) had informed MBC that the party’s presidential candidate, Abdulla Yameen, will participate in the debate.

MBC announced “with sadness” that the debate had been cancelled due to Nasheed not being able to participate.

Meanwhile, there have been reports of Nasheed taking papers into the debate room, against the rules, for the first round presidential debate.