Eight candidates competing for Maldives presidency
The leader of PPM announced his support for Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, the Male’ City Council Mayor, as the candidate representing the PPM-PNC coalition.
Dr. Muizzu (right)
As the 2023 Presidential race in the Maldives draws nearer, political tensions escalate alongside growing anticipation. On August 6, 2023, a significant development occurred when the country's Supreme Court sided with the Elections Commission (EC) on a crucial matter. The Court's decision revolved around former President Yameen Abdul Qayoom's eligibility to run for office, given his 11-year prison sentence. This announcement put an end to lingering uncertainties and established a clear framework for the upcoming election.
The Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), which had been awaiting the Court's decision, has seized the opportunity to solidify its political stance. PPM entered into a coalition with the People’s National Congress (PNC), clarifying its candidate choice for the election. The leader of PPM announced his support for Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, the Male’ City Council Mayor, as the candidate representing the PPM-PNC coalition.
This election is shaping up to be particularly momentous, with the highest number of candidates competing for the presidency in the Maldives since 2008, when six candidates contested back then. This time, an unprecedented eight candidates are vying for the role, leaving the nation with the task of selecting the individual best suited to lead for the next five years.
The incumbent President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, representing the Maldives Democratic Party (MDP), is seeking re-election for a second term. Joining him in the race are prominent figures such as Dr. Mohamed Muizzu from PNC, Qasim Ibrahim from Jumhoory Party, Ilyaas Labeeb from The Democrats, Mohamed Nazim from Maldives National Party (MNP), as well as independent candidates Umar Naseer, Faris Maumoon, and Hassan Zameel.
As the Maldives prepares to make its choice, the convergence of diverse candidates and political trajectories promises an election of significant consequence for the nation's future direction.
