The Elections Commission (EC) has approved the formation of former President Abdulla Yameen's political party, People's National Front (PNF).
Yameen's son, Zain Abdulla Yameen, was nominated as the party's founding member, and permission to form the party was granted at a ceremony held at the EC.
Due to the criminal conviction and ongoing 11-year prison sentence for money laundering and graft related to the Vaavu atoll Aarah lease, Yameen cannot be actively involved in any political activity, especially amongst its leadership.
Yameen's senior lawyer, former Vice President Dr. Mohamed Jameel Ahmed during his presidency, and former Minister Maleeh Jamal led the formation of the party on his behalf.
Yameen exited the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) following a fallout with the party leadership. Speaking on his behalf, Jameel said that senior leaders of PPM and People's National Congress (PNC) had sidelined Yameen.
However, according to senior officials of PPM and PNC, Yameen was dissatisfied when he was legally barred from contesting the presidential election, and the PPM/PNC coalition did not comply with his directive to boycott the election.
By forming the new party, Yameen aims to secure a majority in the upcoming parliamentary elections.
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