Opposition Coalition Calls to Postpone Elections Until Yameen’s Verdict

MV+ News Desk | July 18, 2023
Photo: PPM

The opposition, Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and People’s National Congress (PNC) coalition have urged for the postponement of this year’s presidential election until the High Court reaches a decision on the appeal of former President Abdullah Yameen.

In a tweet, the coalition’s interim leader and PNC President, Abdul Raheem Abdullah (Adhurey), stated that holding a presidential election with Yameen in jail would be unfair. Consequently, he called for the postponement of the election until justice is served to Yameen.

Adhurey specifically called for the postponement of the September 9 presidential election due to Yameen’s 11-year prison sentence in the Arrange case. A criminal conviction disqualifies individuals from running for president.

Although an appeal has been filed in the High Court, the trial has experienced delays as one of the judges on the bench is currently on leave. As a result, the appeal is not expected to conclude before the nomination deadline on the 7th of the following month. Should this occur, Yameen will be ineligible to participate in the election.

The Election Commission is set to initiate the nomination process on next Sunday.

Previously, the opposition expressed confidence in Yameen’s acquittal by the High Court. However, the PPM has now called for the postponement of the presidential election for the first time, as the opposition coalition leadership attends the High Court daily without any prospects of expediting the case.

The PPM maintains that Yameen is their presidential candidate, and his name is intended to appear on the ballot paper. Nevertheless, internal unrest within the party persists due to the pending court ruling that has yet to confirm the candidacy.

During the most recent opposition rally, Adhurey assured supporters of the PPM that there was no reason to be disheartened. However, he emphasised that the party would not align with any other political group in the upcoming election.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih is actively campaigning for the presidential election. President acknowledged the PPM as a formidable challenge in this race. Nonetheless, he criticized the opposition for failing to nominate a candidate and called upon them to field a candidate and engage in a competitive campaign.

However, the opposition alleges that Yameen’s imprisonment is a result of Solih exerting influence and power.

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