Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Nasheed has expressed that it would be in the best interest of both him and former President Abdulla Yameen to refrain from participating in the upcoming presidential election. Nasheed made these remarks during the inaugural meeting of The Democrats, where he also announced his intention to join the party.
Addressing the gathering, Nasheed emphasized the importance of working together and fulfilling the country's needs instead of engaging in the electoral contest. The meeting was attended by members from the main opposition Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), representatives from other political parties, and officials from the Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM). At the meeting, the party's official name, logo, and regulations were approved.
The main opposition coalition has nominated former President Yameen as its candidate for the upcoming presidential election. However, it remains uncertain whether Yameen will be able to participate in the election scheduled for September 9. In December 2022, Yameen was sentenced to 11 years in prison by the Criminal Court for charges related to money laundering and accepting bribes in connection with the lease of Aarah, Vaavu Atoll, for resort development through the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC). Unless the Higher Court of the Maldives overturns the Criminal Court's verdict, Yameen will be ineligible to contest the election.