Opposition Express Election Concerns to Commonwealth

Photo: PPM
Representatives from the opposition parties, Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and People’s National Congress (PNC), met with Commonwealth officials to voice their concerns regarding the upcoming presidential election, specifically concerning their candidate, former president Abdulla Yameen.
The Progressive Congress Coalition today met with the Pre-Election Assessment Mission by the @commonwealthsec where we conveyed our concerns on the political persecution of our presidential candidate H.E President Yameen along with other serious electoral issues. pic.twitter.com/msKmmMFW9V
— Progressive Party of Maldives (@ProgressPartyMV) July 15, 2023
Among those in attendance was Vice President of the PNC, Mohamed Saeed, who raised allegations of the government’s efforts to influence the electoral process by hindering Yameen’s chances at candidacy.
According to Mihaaru news, during the meeting, Saeed emphasised the crucial role of the Commonwealth’s observation in the presidential election, particularly in light of the exclusion of the largest opposition party’s candidate.
He stated, “an election without justice for our candidate, Yameen, will not be free. I strongly condemn this. It should be a primary concern in the pre-election assessment conducted by the Commonwealth.”
Saeed further accused the government of utilising state resources to manipulate the presidential election. He claimed that island and lagoon allocations were being made to coalition partners, whilst companies were hiring thousands of individuals.
Emphasising the importance of justice for the opposition leader, Saeed urged an end to any attempts to prolong the appeal process. He asserted that it was the judiciary’s responsibility to ensure that Yameen receives the fair treatment he deserves.