Former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, on Saturday, revealed that he had abandoned plans to contest for Maavah constituency in the upcoming parliamentary election slated for April 6.
The president of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) is supporting the candidacy of former Minister of Economics Mohamed Saeed who will contest on behalf of the People's National Congress (PNC).
Yameen made an address during Saeed's campaign rally held in Maavah, Laamu Atoll, via telephone. The former president stated that he was stepping down to provide the opportunity to Saeed who had put in honest work into his re-election campaign for the 2018 presidential election.
Yameen stated that PPM would need to collaborate with PNC in order to attain a parliamentary majority. Additionally, PPM also recently conceded certain seats to the ruling coalition partner Jumhooree Party (JP).
Yameen states that he is aware that PPM and members would have reservations against withdrawing their candidacy in favour of JP candidates.
The former president stated that the decision to concede seats to JP was made in case Maumoon Reform Movement (MRM) or Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) gained a majority for the constituencies involved. Yameen highlighted the importance of Maavah constituency since some constituents had guaranteed him a majority win.
While Yameen reverted on former plans to contest for parliament, he is currently under investigation for money laundering and corruption allegations.
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