The opposition coalition of Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM) and the People's National Congress (PNC) has sent a team consisting of senior members to Addu City to gain support for the parliamentary election.
Speaking to journalists, Chairperson of PNC Abdul Raheem Abdulla said the purpose of the trip is to meet residents of Addu and listen to their concerns. He highlighted the importance of the PPM/PNC coalition winning the upcoming parliamentary election to fulfil the pledges of the new administration in accordance with the expectations of the people in the next five years. He added that President-elect Dr. Mohamed Muizzu also plans to visit the atolls to thank citizens for voting in the presidential election and to ask them to vote for the candidates of the PPM/PNC coalition in the parliamentary election.
Regarding concerns that the leniency given to former President Abdulla Yameen's prison sentence might be withdrawn, Abdul Raheem said that the coalition refused to comment on the statement made by the Maldives Correctional Service (MCS). He added that it was a warning issued by MCS under the Prisons and Parole Act. As such, he said the coalition does not have to respond to such a statement.
PPM and PNC have stated that both parties will be contesting the parliamentary election as a coalition. The opportunity to submit candidacies for the primary election will be open from December 20-31.
The Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM) plans to hold the parliamentary election in March or April next year, and will announce the official date later this month. Both the main ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and the opposition PPM/PNC coalition have announced their intention to contest all seats in the election.