Former Maldives president files nomination papers

Former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed on Thursday filed his nomination papers to contest for the presidency at the elections in September, his party said. As mandated by the Election Commission, Nasheed sought and received clearance from the country's judicial courts and other state institutions prior to submitting his candidature as the Maldivian Democratic Party's (MDP) presidential candidate. "We submitted the election forms and begin the task of restoring democracy to our country. It has been a slippery slope but we have come a long way. Despite all the barriers and hurdles that were put in our way, we never gave up. Undoubtedly because of the resilience of the people of the Maldives, we are confident of winning this election in the first round with a handsome majority," Nasheed said after handing over his nomination papers. Nasheed had announced this week that one time Education Minister Musthafa Luthfy will be his running mate in the September 2013 elections. Nasheed is looking to defeat the incumbent President Mohamed Waheed who assumed office in February 2012, following the resignation of then President Nasheed. Nasheed claimed he was forced to resign from office and demanded an independent investigation and early elections. A government appointed committee however ruled that Waheed legitimately took office. Waheed however agreed to hold a presidential election in September and has assured the election will be free and fair.