People's National Congress's (PNC) presidential candidate, Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, said on Thursday that if he is able to win the presidential election in the event former President Abdulla Yameen is unable to contend, he will initiate the process of freeing Yameen from prison within the legal system starting from his first day in office.
Dr. Muizzu, who is also the mayor of Malé City and PNC's presidential candidate, made this statement while addressing the media for the first time after securing victory in the secret ballot held during the party's council meeting this evening. He won the ballot by securing 25 votes.
Maduvvari MP Adam Shareef, who contested against Dr. Muizzu in the election, secured 23 votes.
"Both parties will work based on the advice and direction of President Yameen. The entire party, the entire progressive coalition are committed to ensuring President Yameen's freedom and his participation in the elections," Muizzu stated to the media, alongside Adam Shareef.
The Election Commission (EC) rejected Yameen's candidacy form, due to Yameen's ongoing 11 year prison sentence for bribery and graft convictions in the Vaavu atoll Aarah lease case. The Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) submitted Yameen's candidacy challenge to the Supreme Court, which has accepted it for review. The preliminary hearing is scheduled for Friday, 3 P.M.
Dr. Muizzu expressed his intention to submit his candidacy form to the EC only after the conclusion of the Supreme Court's case and when Yameen's chances of running were entirely closed. He reiterated that it has always been his desire for Yameen to receive justice and have the opportunity to contest in this year's presidential election.
"We want to contest in that situation [if Yameen loses the opportunity to run], and win the election, and the first thing we will do on the first day is work towards freeing President Yameen," said Dr. Muizzu, who previously served as housing minister during Yameen's administration.
When asked by a reporter if he would hold a mid-term election if he becomes president, Dr. Muizzu said that such matters require thorough and detailed explanations, and he would seek advice from Yameen. Despite repeated queries, he emphasized that he would not make any decisions without consulting Yameen.
The PPM/PNC leadership approached Yameen on three occasions, requesting him to propose candidates for the presidential candidate and running mate positions. However, Yameen chose not to make any suggestions left the discretion to PNC.
When asked about receiving Yameen's endorsement, Dr. Muizzu said that there was no doubt that PPM and PNC were Yameen's two parties. He said that today's vote was carried out after consulting Yameen as well.
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