People's National Congress (PNC) has decided to contest in the presidential election.
PNC, the main opposition coalition partner, has decided to nominate a candidate as a backup option in case their preferred candidate, former President Abdulla Yameen, is unable to contest in the primary election.
During a meeting of the PNC Senate, 44 of the 47 members voted in favour of nominating a candidate. As such, the election to determine the candidate will be held via a secret ballot. Those who have expressed interest in becoming a presidential candidate of PNC include the party's Vice President Adam Shareef, and the Vice President of Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, who has reportedly left PPM and joined PNC to contest for the party ticket.
The main opposition coalition has chosen former President Yameen as their candidate for the upcoming presidential election. However, the Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM) stated that he currently does not meet the qualifications to become a presidential candidate, in accordance with Article 109(f) of the Constitution, as he is serving an 11-year prison sentence on charges of corruption and money laundering.
The Supreme Court has accepted former President Abdulla Yameen's case to appeal the rejection of his candidacy for the presidential election and is expected to make a decision within seven days. The Constitution states that such cases shall be decided by a bench consisting of all justices of the Supreme Court and that the decision of the Supreme Court shall be final.