Opposition calls to postpone presidential election pending justice for Yameen

The opposition coalition comprising of Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and People’s National Congress (PNC), on Monday night, called to postpone the presidential elections slated for September 9^th pending the completion of the appeal stages of the 11-year prison sentence of their leader, former president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom.

The coalition has been repeatedly pleading to conclude Yameen’s appeal of his 11-year prison sentence in connection to a money laundering and bribery conviction over the sale of Aarah in Vaavu Atoll for resort development with adequate time for him to contest the elections.

Expressing concern over the matter via a tweet on Monday night, Interim leader of the coalition, PNC’s leader Abdul Raheem Abdulla said a presidential election held while Yameen is in prison will not be fair.

Therewith, he called to postpone the elections till Yameen receives justice.

Applications for the presidential elections will close on August 7^th. Yameen’s candidacy is in jeopardy as he has been convicted of a criminal offense.

Nevertheless, his campaign efforts have been launched across the nation by the opposition coalition, which has expressed confidence in Yameen’s being freed at the conclusion of his High Court appeal.