As the legal proceedings unfold, the fate of Yameen's presidential bid hangs in the balance, and the outcome will significantly impact the party's electoral prospects.
PSM News
As the Maldivian election draws closer, the anticipation surrounding the candidates vying for the presidency is reaching a peak. Among the candidates, the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) has chosen its nominee for the upcoming election as the former president and party leader, Yameen Abdul Gayoom. However, there are serious doubts surrounding his candidacy due to an ongoing case and a recent 11-year prison sentence he received in December 2022.
Despite the PPM's high hopes for Yameen as their chosen candidate, the Election Commission (EC) has rejected his candidacy, citing Article 109 of the Maldives constitution. According to this article, any candidate running for the presidential race should not have been convicted or sentenced for longer than 12 months. Additionally, the constitution stipulates that candidates can only run for the presidency three years after their release or pardon following a sentence.
As the political party challenges the EC's decision, they have taken the matter to the Supreme Court of the Maldives in hopes of seeking justice for what they perceive as infringements on their rights due to government influence. The PPM's running-mate, Dr Mohamed Jameel, remains optimistic about their chances, stating, "We are seeking justice for all the rights that have been infringed with the government's influence. God willing, we will succeed."
The situation has led to uncertainty and curiosity among the public about how the court cases and Yameen's sentencing will ultimately affect the PPM's candidacy in the upcoming election. As the legal proceedings unfold, the fate of Yameen's presidential bid hangs in the balance, and the outcome will significantly impact the party's electoral prospects.
In the face of this legal challenge, the PPM and its supporters are closely watching the developments. The political landscape in the Maldives remains dynamic, with citizens eagerly awaiting the Supreme Court's ruling to clarify whether Yameen can indeed contest in the presidential race.
