The main opposition coalition consisting of the Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM) and the People's National Congress (PNC) have united to support the presidential candidate of PNC, Mayor of Male' City Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.
PNC initially chose Mayor Muizzu as a backup option in case their preferred candidate, former President Abdulla Yameen, was unable to contest the election. Since then, the Supreme Court has upheld the decision by the Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM) to reject Yameen's candidacy form, as he is serving an 11-year prison sentence.
Afterward, Yameen requested the leadership of PPM to boycott the election if they found that his electoral rights have been undermined. Subsequently, the PPM and PNC held a meeting and voted against the motion to boycott the election but the issue continued to be contentious until the leadership of both parties recently agreed to set aside their differences and support Mayor Muizzu.
At a press conference, the opposition coalition said Mayor Muizzu has the full support of former President Yameen and the party members. They also said that they will begin the campaign and announce their manifesto soon.
Also at the press conference, Mayor Muizzu said having differences of opinion is a strength of a democracy and that the aim of the coalition is to move the country forward on the path envisioned by former President Yameen. He further said that the coalition is united for the election and will make decisions based on the instructions of Yameen. He added that, if elected, his first act as President would be to begin work to free Yameen.