The presidential candidate of the People's National Congress (PNC) Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has appointed Parliamentarian Hussain Mohamed Latheef as his running mate for the presidential election 2023.
PNC made the decision to nominate a presidential candidate as a direct response to the prevailing situation surrounding the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM). The Mayor of Male' City Council Dr. Muizzu was chosen as a backup presidential candidate, to contest if former President Abdulla Yameen, is unable to contest the election.
Muizzu said it is his responsibility to appoint a running mate since he has been appointed as a backup candidate in the event of President Yameen's inability to contest the election. Therefore, he has appointed Parliamentarian Hussain Mohamed Latheef. He described Hussain as a young, educated, and capable serviceman. He noted that although he was preparing his candidacy, his wish is for President Yameen to have the opportunity to contest the election before the time runs out.
Although the main opposition coalition has chosen former President Yameen as their candidate for the upcoming presidential election 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. Yameen's legal team has submitted a constitutional case with Supreme Court regarding the ECM's decision to reject the candidacy. While the court held the first hearing for the case on August 4, the Chief Justice said following will be the verdict hearing if no questions are risen.
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.