The main opposition Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) has begun its Hope Conference to officially commence the campaign of former President Abdulla Yameen who is the presidential candidate of the opposition coalition.
Over 1,000 members of PPM and the People’s National Congress (PNC) are participating in the event, which will last until February 4. The attendees include leaders of various branches of the parties and members of local councils and women’s development committees (WDC) representing the opposition.
Speakers at the inaugural event included former President Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik, former Vice President Dr. Mohamed Jameel Ahmed, Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, and President of PNC Abdul Raheem Abdulla. Participants of the conference will discuss the opposition coalition’s vision, as well as the current economic and human rights situation in the country in various sessions. A session will also be held to discuss the plan for the upcoming presidential election.
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, the opposition coalition has claimed that Yameen will be running in the presidential election, warning that it 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.