Yameen’s candidacy form submitted to EC

The candidacy form of Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM)’s presidential candidate Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom has been submitted to the Elections Commission (EC) on Tuesday.

The form was handed over to EC’s Chairman Fuad Thaufeeq by Yameen’s election agent, PPM’s Secretary General Mohamed Tholal on Tuesday morning during a small-scale ceremony held for the purpose at EC’s focal point for the presidential elections established at Dharubaaruge.

Tholal was accompanied by Yameen’s running mate Mohamed Jameel and members from the leadership of the opposition PPM-PNC coalition.

Yameen was sentenced to 11 years in prison for money laundering and bribery in connection to the sale of V. Aarah for resort development on December 25, 2022.

The conviction – if not overturned – will disqualify him from contesting the September 9 election.

However, Yameen has signed his candidacy from behind bars, with assistance from Maldives Correctional Service.

Whether the jailed former president’s candidacy form will be accepted remains a contentious legal debate. EC, in an earlier statement, said the commission will work on reaching a decision on the day itself, the day is submitted.

EC has 48 hours to make a decision on accepting the form or not. If discontent with the decision, the candidate has right to appeal the decision to Supreme Court.

Speaking after accepting Yameen’s candidacy form on Tuesday, EC’s Vice President Ismail Habeeb assured that the commission’s lawyers will make a decision on accepting the form within a 24-hour timeframe. He reiterated that the decision can be appealed to Supreme Court, if the candidate is discontent.

Dr. Jameel, who spoke to the press afterward, said the party will appeal to Supreme Court if Yameen’s candidacy from is rejected.