Umar files candidacy, names Maaz Saleem as running mate

Former home minister Umar Naseer named Ahmed Saleem (Maaz Saleem) as his running mate, and submitted his candidacy for the upcoming presidential election on Monday.

Umar was accompanied by Saleem and supporters when he went to submit his candidacy form to the election center.

Umar’s running mate, Saleem is one of Umar’s longtime friends, and had previously served as deputy home minister.

He recently attained his Master’s from the University of Salford in England.

This year marks Umar’s second bid to get elected to office. He suffered a heavy defeat in his first bid – in 2008.

In 2013, Umar competed unsuccessfully against PPM’s leader Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom the party’s presidential ticket. Yameen went on to win the presidential election.

Umar had also announced plans to contest the 2018 election, but later bowed out.