Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) has officially submitted former President Abdulla Yameen's candidacy form for the upcoming presidential election, scheduled to take place on September 9.
Yameen is currently serving an 11-year jail sentence for convictions of money laundering and graft in Vaavu atoll Aarah lease case.
Senate members of PPM visited the Elections Commission's (EC) main election center on Tuesday, August 1, in Dharubaaruge to submit Yameen's candidacy form for the upcoming presidential elections. Dr. Mohamed Jameel Ahmed, Yameen's running mate for this year's election, led the team during the submission process.
Several members of the senate were unable to attend Tuesday's visit to the EC center as they are currently in Sri Lanka, attending the funeral of Yameen's mother.
Despite the conviction and lengthy jail sentence of former President Abdulla Yameen, PPM and its coalition partner People's National Congress (PNC) have submitted his candidacy form, expressing confidence that Yameen can still contend in the upcoming presidential elections. However, the Maldives Constitution and Elections Commission regulations prevents individuals convicted of certain crimes from running for public office.
Article 109 of the Maldives Constitution states that a person who is eligible to run for the presidency must not have been convicted of a criminal offense and sentenced to more than 12 months, unless a period of three years has elapsed since their release or pardon.
After submitting his form, Yameen’s campaign agent and PPM’s Secretary General Mohamed Tholal requested the EC to make a prompt decision on the matter.
EC members who received the form informed PPM Senate members that they will provide a response within 24 hours after assessment. The law mandates EC to inform its decision to candidates within 48 hours.
Vice chief of the Elections Commission, Ismail Habeeb, said that they have no intention to delay matters related to the candidacy form, especially since it was submitted by the largest political opposition in the country.
The commission further informed PPM Senate that they could submit an appeal to the Supreme Court if they were dissatisfied with the EC’s decision. Appeals regarding EC’s candidacy decision should be made within five days from the date of the decision, and the issue must be concluded by the court within seven days.
Sign In