PNF postpones inaugural congress citing lack of cooperation from govt. agencies

The inaugural congress of the new political party being formed by former president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom, People’s National Front (PNF), has been postponed, citing lack of cooperation required from various government agencies.

Elections Commission (EC) accepted the 3,000 forms submitted by PNF for registration and gave the party the go-ahead to hold its inaugural congress four days earlier.

Subsequently, the party scheduled its inaugural congress for tonight.

However, former minister Mohamed Maleeh Jamal, who is heading the party’s activities, reported today that the party’s inaugural congress has been postponed to another date, citing lack of cooperation from the relevant government agencies.

“PNF cannot be stopped,” he stressed.

Yameen, who was sentenced to 11 years in prison on December 25, 2022 on charges of bribery and money laundering in connection to the sale of V. Aarah, and is currently under house arrest, was scheduled to attend PNF's inaugural congress. 

His lawyers had filed a request with Maldives Correctional Service to permit him to attend the event. 

A spokesperson from Maldives Correctional Service said they had sent their answer in response to the request, but declined to specify what the response was.

However, his lead lawyer, former vice president Dr. Mohamed Jameel Ahmed confirmed to Sun that the service had granted its permission, but declined to comment any further.

EC gave the go-ahead to begin works to form PNF on November 29th. 

PNF filed for registration with 3,370 forms in total of which 1,976 forms were deemed valid following the verification process. EC provided the opportunity to amend 1,313 forms while they rejected 81 forms, citing administrative mistakes.