Yameen's new party promises transformation with loyalists in tow

Senior members working to create the former President Abdulla Yameen-led People's National Front (PNF) has promised the party will lead a transformative political journey in the Maldives with loyalists in tow, and eventually succeed to governance.

Due to the fallout between Yameen and PPM's leadership, the former President on Thursday evening, November 23 announced his decision to form a new political party.

Members leading this effort had met with the Elections Commission (EC) on Sunday, November 26 to discuss possibilities in creating the new party.

Former Minister Mohamed Maleeh Jamaal, one of the key figures leading the efforts to form PNF, pledged to break records in forming a political party once it receives EC's go-ahead.

Maleeh further promised the party will present a candidate for Male' City's mayorship and achieve a significant win in the upcoming parliamentary elections as well.

He added Yameen has the public's love and support, and requested members to join the former President's new party.

Maleeh said Yameen had faced unprecedented suffering in the past five years, which peaked with the Supreme Court's decision to disqualify him from this year's presidential race, which he added was unjust.

The former minister added this resulted in Yameen losing his footing in the party, while it had been hijacked by others.

Maleeh accused President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's Special Advisor Abdul Raheem Abdulla as the prime conspirator behind Yameen's apparent recent woes.

Former Vice President Dr. Mohamed Jameel Ahmed, one of the key members leading the efforts to form the new political party, said that PNF will emerge as the strongest and biggest party in the Maldives.

Maleeh further claimed PNF will be the next party to assume Maldives' governance.

"Why have none of the members of the leadership visited President Yameen after he was transferred home? Does he no longer hold any value? Has he become so insignificant? Unworthy of the sacrifices he made? Has he not done anything for this country? Has he not paid any price in this huge journey to change the country's government with PPM in tow?" Jameel questioned.

"God willing, this new political journey with his true well-wishers and allies would be a transformative one."