Former President Mohamed Nasheed has reiterated his call for the opposition to unite behind one candidate for the 2018 presidential elections.

On Sunday, the leader of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) noted the importance of the opposition backing one candidate for the election, via twitter.

While he called to forsake all the advantages and privileges that come with presidency, it is unclear on who it was directed towards.

The former President first made the call to elect an interim leader on Saturday, with Jumhooree Party (JP) accepting it almost immediately; JP had responded that they were open to discussions.

In his message to MDP members, Nasheed said that there is no "scientific guarantee" that any of the parties can win next year's election singlehandedly, and that uniting behind a single candidate is the best way to win.

The joint opposition comprises of MDP, JP, Adhaalath Party and former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom's faction of the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM).

Following the call, senior officials from the government and PPM have mocked the former president, with some saying that this shows that Nasheed has accepted defeat.