The main opposition Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) has decided to hold a special conference to officially commence former President Abdulla Yameen’s campaign for the upcoming presidential election.
Spokesperson of the opposition Heena Waleed said the coalition leadership and parliamentary representatives will join the conference which will be held from February 2-4.
Former President Yameen was sentenced to 11 years in prison in December 2022 after the Criminal Court found him guilty of money laundering and accepting bribes in relation to the lease of Aarah, Vaavu Atoll, for resort development through the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC). However, party members have claimed that Yameen will be running in the presidential election, warning that they would not accept the election if Yameen was unable to contest.
The presidential election will be held on September 9 and the submission for candidacy will be open on July 23.