Opposition "readying to assume power"

The opposition Progressive Party of the Maldives and People's National Congress coalition (PPM/PNC) is prepared to take office and hold the current administration accountable, PNC President Abdul Raheem Abdulla said last night.

"PPM is now preparing to identify the corruption and unethical acts of this government. The institutions can no longer remain silent. We will not allow that space," he said.

Abdul Raheem said that the upcoming September 9 presidential election will mark the end of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's political career.

In light of PPM winning eight out of the 11 women's development committee by-elections held yesterday, Abdul Raheem highlighted that the results conveyed a message to the government about the support behind a strong politician. He further stated that the outcomes demonstrate that people still hold hope for the PPM presidential candidate, former President Abdulla Yameen.

"There are people in this country who appreciate the service he rendered to this country during his tenure. There are people in this country who want that tenure to be repeated," Abdul Raheem stated.

Abdul Raheem said that while Yameen has been imprisoned for 11 years, anti-PPM parties will attempt to divide the party and create tension. He urged party members not to pay attention to different voices on various platforms. "For the next 80 days, you should only listen to what PPM is saying. They [the government and MDP] know they will face a significant defeat," he said.

Abdul Raheem affirmed that PPM and PNC will always stand by Yameen.

"With even greater determination, we, the members and leadership of both parties, stand united with President Yameen and are fully committed to supporting him in winning the upcoming presidential election," he said.

Abdul Raheem assured that Yameen's name will unquestionably be on the ballot paper for the presidential election.

"We are here to liberate the judiciary. Our aim is to establish a trusted judicial system that the people of Maldives can rely on. President Yameen is the only individual capable of achieving this. Law enforcement does not differentiate based on status, connections, or authority." -- Abdul Raheem.

"With the dedicated efforts of our legal team, the bravery of all of you, and the support of the Maldivian people, President Abdulla Yameen will reclaim power in this nation," he said.

Abdul Raheem said that PPM's primary goal is to govern according to the rule of law, without making distinctions when implementing laws.

Abdul Raheem cited the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) scandal as proof of that. He said that the government has unfairly subjected Yameen to suffering in the case.

The result, Abdul Raheem said, is that Yameen's support is greater now than when he was in power. That support increased because of the conduct of this government, he said.

"This government lacks the ability to govern effectively. It lacks a proper understanding of governance and resorts to oppression. It betrays the country and engages in acts of theft," he said.

"The first action of PPM, once in office, will be to seize the passports of those involved in corruption. They will be held accountable within the legal framework and prevented from escaping justice," he said.

"President Yameen is capable of achieving this within the bounds of the law," Abdul Raheem said.