Yameen Files Nomination Papers to Contest Presidential Election

MV+ News Desk | August 1, 2023
Photo: ECM

Former President Abdullah Yameen, presently serving a jail sentence, has submitted his nomination papers to the Election Commission of Maldives (ECM) today in order to contest the presidential election.

A delegation of Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) members led the way to the ECM headquarters in Dharubaaruge to formally present Yameen’s candidacy form. However, prominent members of the party’s leadership were unable to attend the event due to their involvement in the funeral of Yameen’s mother, Fathimath Hassan.

Showing unwavering confidence in Yameen’s candidacy despite his 11-year jail sentence, both the PPM and People’s National Congress (PNC) leaderships submitted his candidacy form. 

Yameen’s chances of participating in the election have been hindered due to his current incarceration, which has led to the closure of his legal opportunity to contest.

As per the Constitutional requirements, a potential candidate must have a clean record without any criminal convictions resulting in a prison sentence of more than 12 months within the last three years.

While the appeal against his sentence remains pending in the High Court, time is rapidly running out for Yameen to secure his position in the election. His campaign agent, Mohamed Tholal, who also serves as the party’s Secretary General, has implored the ECM to reach a swift decision on the matter.

Upon receiving the nomination papers, the ECM holds the responsibility to thoroughly review the information and provide a response within 24 hours. As per the law, candidates must be informed of the acceptance or rejection of their candidacies within 48 hours.

PPM has emphasised that they submitted the form, highlighting their current status as the largest opposition party in the country. Nevertheless, if dissatisfied with the ECM’s decision, there remains the option to appeal to the Supreme Court.

In the event that Yameen contests the ECM’s decision, he will have a five-day window to appeal to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court is then duty-bound to adjudicate on such appeals within seven days, ensuring a timely resolution to any disputes arising from the election process.

ރިއެކްޝަންސް
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
LATEST