Yameen’s candidacy appeal readies for judgement

The Maldives Supreme Court is prepared to deliver its verdict regarding the appeal of former President Abdulla Yameen's candidacy.

Yameen's bid for presidential candidacy was rejected by the Elections Commission (EC) on Monday, July 31. The EC invoked Article 109 of the Maldives Constitution, which stipulates that a candidate must not have a criminal sentence exceeding 12 months, or three years must have elapsed since their release or pardon.

Yameen is currently serving an 11-year prison sentence due to his conviction on charges of money laundering and graft related to the Vaavu atoll Aarah lease case.

After the rejection of Yameen's candidacy, his political party, the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), filed an appeal on behalf of the former president with the Supreme Court.

Yameen's main argument was that he should be allowed to contests the elections because his criminal sentence had been appealed to the High Court. The Elections Commission (EC) challenged this, stating that even if the appeal is ongoing, Yameen cannot participate if his sentence is not overturned.

The Attorney General's Office presented the same argument as the EC, stating that Yameen's ongoing appeal does not change the fact that he is currently serving a sentence. However, the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), which intervened in the case upon its own request, argued that the Elections Commission should accept Yameen's candidacy.

PPM requested a Supreme Court order that would permit the party to nominate an alternative candidate if Yameen's appeal is ultimately rejected. However, the Elections Commission (EC) contested this request, arguing that such a decision could potentially delay the election process.

The Supreme Court hearing, which commenced on Friday evening concluded at 11:30 p.m, marked by intense exchanges between the parties involved.

Chief Justice Ahmed Mu’huthasim Adnan announced the conclusion of the arguments presented by both sides and stated that the case would now proceed to judgment.

The full bench of all seven judges of the Supreme Court presided over the case, as is required for candidacy appeal cases.