EC rejects Yameen’s candidacy form, PPM vows to win at SC

Elections Commission (EC) has rejected the candidacy form submitted by the presidential candidate of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), former president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom to contest in this year’s presidential elections.

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.

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

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, who also serves as the head of his legal team, and members from the leadership of the opposition PPM-PNC coalition.

EC, moments earlier, decided against accepting Yameen’s form citing he was presently serving an 11-year prison sentence which makes him an ineligible presidential candidate under Article 109 (f) of the Maldivian constitution which bars individuals who have been sentenced to 12 months or more in prison over a criminal offense from contesting the elections.

Yameen, however, by law, has the right to appeal EC’s decision.

Jameel, who spoke to the press after submitting Yameen’s candidacy form this morning, expressed all intent to appeal if EC rejects the form.

PPM, which released a statement shortly after EC’s decision, expressed concern while noting efforts were underway to file the Supreme Court appeal. They also expressed confidence in Yameen winning the appeal.

“We note that President Yameen’s legal team is undertaking all efforts to submit a Supreme Court appeal. We have no doubt Yameen’s eligibility will be proven at Supreme Court which thereby will nullify Elections Commission’s decision,” the statement read.

Yameen, in case his candidacy form gets rejected, has instructed the opposition coalition’s leadership to produce a PNC candidate for the elections. The leadership has decided to bestow Yameen the power to choose a candidate.