The opposition coalition has stated that it will not award the presidential ticket, given to former President Abdulla Yameen, to another candidate.
At the opposition coalition’s Hope Conference, President of People’s National Congress (PNC) Abdul Raheem Abdulla said that the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) has already awarded the presidential ticket to former President Abdulla Yameen and the decision will not be changed.
Former President Yameen was sentenced to 11 years in prison in December 2022 after being found 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).
Also at the event, Vice President of PNC Mohamed Saeed said there is no PPM member who wishes to receive the presidential ticket and that all members of the coalition are steadfast in their support for former President Yameen to contest the election.
Speakers at the Hope Conference severely criticised the administration and the leaders of the party branches as well as council members and parliamentarians representing the opposition coalition agreed to strengthen their presidential campaign in the atolls.