Yameen Named President of People’s National Front

Former Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen has been elected President of the newly formed People’s National Front (PNF). The announcement was made during the party’s first congress held at Artificial Beach on Thursday night.

Former Vice President Dr Mohamed Jameel Ahmed and Yameen’s son, Zain Abdulla Yameen, were also elected as Vice Presidents of the party. The three top positions were uncontested.

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Former Minister Mohamed Maleeh Jamaal was appointed Secretary General, while Ahmed Mustafa secured the post of Treasurer, both without contest. The only position decided by vote was that of Registrar, where Ali Shinan Nashid defeated Nihad Mohamed to become the party’s first Registrar.

In addition, 14 members were elected to the party’s senate following a contest involving 49 candidates.

During his address to party members, Yameen confirmed that the PNF will field a candidate in the 2028 presidential election, declaring that his own name would be on the ballot. The former president was barred from contesting the 2023 election due to a money-laundering conviction linked to the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) corruption case. However, the Supreme Court later overturned his sentence. In his absence, Yameen’s allies nominated Dr Mohamed Muizzu as their candidate, who went on to win the election against then-President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. Following the victory, disagreements between Yameen and Dr Muizzu prompted Yameen to leave the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and establish the People’s National Front (PNF).

Yameen remains on trial over related money-laundering and corruption allegations. A conviction could potentially disqualify him from the 2028 race.

Yameen announced plans for nationwide party activities, including a visit to Maafushi, though he stated he would not dock at the island’s harbour.

“I understand how the government operates. We are aware of the happenings in parliament, and they are saying that President Yameen’s name will not appear on the ballot papers,” he told supporters. “If not, the ballot papers will not be printed in the Maldives. President Yameen’s name will be included on the ballot papers,” he added.

Yameen emphasised that political parties form a crucial foundation of democracy, saying they provide an official platform for citizens to participate in governance. He also underscored the importance of loyalty within the party, remarking that having dedicated members was more valuable than simply having a large membership base.