The opposing PPM-PNC coalition has launched its leader, former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Qayyoom's presidential campaign.
The coalition named Yameen its presidential candidate and handed over the ticket in August 2022. However, Yameen is currently ineligible to contest the election as he serves an 11-year prison sentence for money laundering and bribery. He will not be able to contest the presidential election until a higher court quashes his sentence handed down by the Criminal Court.
Despite this, the coalition insists that Yameen's name will appear on the ballot for the upcoming presidential election. They kicked off the campaign with a door-to-door walk in Male' City.
Speaking about the campaign, PNC's President Abdul Raheem Abdullah expressed confidence that Yameen would win the presidential election in a single round, implying that there would be no need for a second round.
"If President Yameen contests the election, there will be no second round. He will win the first round," he said.
Abdul Raheem further said the spirit of the people shows their desire to re-elect President Yameen. Once Yameen is able to join the campaign physically, it will further invigorate the atmosphere, he added.
PPM's Spokesperson, Heena Waleed, said the door-to-door campaign would reach two-thirds of the voting population in Male'. She said the opposition campaign would soon extend to the atolls.
The presidential election will be held on September 9 this year.
