The Supreme Court of the Maldives has dismissed the constitutional case filed by former President Abdulla Yameen, in which he sought to assert his electoral rights. The Registrar of the Supreme Court ruled that the case cannot be considered a constitutional matter as per the provisions of the Judicature Act.
Former President Yameen's legal representatives had filed the case to address concerns about the alleged violation of his fundamental and electoral rights. The primary objective was to address the delay in concluding his pending appeal case at the High Court.
Notably, the main opposition coalition has selected former President Yameen as their candidate for the upcoming presidential election. However, due to his current 11-year prison sentence on charges of corruption and money laundering, he will only be eligible to run in the election if he wins the appeal case at the High Court.
The rejection of the constitutional case has significant implications for former President Yameen's electoral prospects, making the pending appeal case at the High Court critical to his candidacy in the presidential election. As the election process unfolds, the final decision rests with the Supreme Court, which will play a crucial role in determining the eligibility of candidates, including former President Yameen.
Meanwhile, the Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM) has commenced the acceptance of candidates for the presidential election. The deadline for submitting candidacies is set for August 7.