The Supreme Court of the Maldives has upheld the decision to reject former President Abdulla Yameen's candidacy for the presidential election. The court ruled that former President Yameen does not meet the qualifications to contest in the election.
Former President Yameen filed the appeal case at the Supreme Court after the Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM) rejected his candidacy form. 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 Constitution states that an individual should not have been convicted of a criminal offense with a sentence exceeding 12 months, to be eligible to contest in the presidential election. If such a conviction occurred, at least three years must have passed since the completion of the sentence or the pardon. In addition, a case concerning the ineligibility of a candidate can only be submitted to the Supreme Court and the decision of the Supreme Court shall be final.
The main opposition Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) chose former President Yameen as their candidate for the upcoming presidential election. However, the opposition coalition partner, the People's National Congress (PNC), recently chose the Mayor of Male' City Dr. Mohamed Muizzu as a backup presidential candidate to contest if former President Yameen is unable to run in the election.