President of the People's National Congress (PNC) Abdul Raheem Abdulla said that progress has been made to ensure that former President Abdulla Yameen can contest in the upcoming presidential election in September.
Yameen was sentenced to an 11-year prison term in December 2022 for bribery and money laundering over the lease of Vaavu atoll Aarah, which has disqualified him from running for president.
Speaking at a press conference held by the opposition coalition on Monday, Abdul Raheem said that progress was being made both in the international arena and in the Maldives to ensure that Yameen can contest. However, he did not disclose any further details to the press.
Despite the opposition leadership repeatedly asserting their defense of Yameen, there has been a controversy within the party over the campaign for Malé City Mayor Dr. Mohamed Muizzu by Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM)'s Malé City council member Adam Rameez for the election.
During the press conference, Abdul Raheem confirmed that Yameen would be the party's candidate, stating, "There is no prohibition on contesting even if the appeal process is not completed." The press conference was also attended by Dr. Muizzu.
"We can file President Yameen's candidacy as soon as the nominations for the presidential election are open. From there, the Supreme Court will have to take a decision within 48 hours, so we are confident that President Yameen will be able to contest," he added.
A rally is scheduled to be held this Friday to strengthen the PPM's activities after the Ramadan month.
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