Supreme Court Dismisses Yameen’s Constitutional Petition

The Supreme Court of Maldives has recently made a ruling to dismiss the constitutional petition presented by former President Abdullah Yameen, in an effort to safeguard his electoral rights.

The Registrar of the Supreme Court clarified that the case was treated as a constitutional matter, rather than being handled in accordance with the Courts Act.

Adam Shameem, one of Yameen’s legal representatives, stated that the constitutional petition was filed to address the alleged violation of Yameen’s fundamental rights and electoral rights, which arose from pending appeals he had lodged in the High Court.

The timing of Yameen’s court submission coincides with the period in which the opportunity to submit candidacy forms for the upcoming presidential election has become available.

It is noteworthy that the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) had formally nominated Yameen as its presidential candidate. However, his candidacy became invalid after bribery and money laundering convictions.

As of now, the Election Commission of Maldives (ECM)  has abstained from issuing any statement regarding Yameen’s candidacy. The Supreme Court holds the ultimate authority to determine whether President Yameen will be permitted to run in the presidential election.

The dismissal of the former President’s constitutional petition represents a significant development in the ongoing political landscape of the Maldives, with the nation eagerly anticipating the Supreme Court’s final decision on his eligibility to contest the upcoming election.