Nasheed files nomination for Maldives' presidency

Former Maldives president Mohamed Nasheed Thursday filed nomination papers for the presidential elections in September, his party said.

As mandated by the Election Commission, Nasheed sought and received clearance from the country's courts and other state institutions prior to submitting his candidature from the Maldivian Democratic Party, Xinhua reported.

"We 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.

Nasheed earlier announced that former education minister Musthafa Luthfy will be his running mate in the elections.

He is looking to defeat incumbent President Mohamed Waheed who assumed office in February 2012, after Nasheed resigned.

Nasheed later claimed he was forced to step down and demanded an independent investigation and early elections.

However, a government-appointed committee ruled that Waheed legitimately took office.

Waheed, meanwhile, agreed to hold presidential elections in September and said the polls will be free and fair.