The opposing PPM-PNC coalition has expressed their desire to see their jailed leader, former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Qayyoom, as the common candidate representing the alliance of opposition parties in the upcoming presidential election. This statement follows an agreement between The Democrats, Jumhooree Party, and Maldives National Party (MNP) to collaborate with the PPM-PNC coalition and jointly nominate a single candidate for the election.
During a Wednesday meeting among the leaders of these three parties, Mohamed Nasheed, Qasim Ibrahim, and Mohamed Nazim, it was announced that they would present a united front by fielding a single common candidate. However, they clarified that they would compete separately if the PPM-PNC coalition and Maldives Reform Movement (MRM) chose not to join the alliance.
In response to this decision, the PPM released a statement acknowledging and appreciating the cooperation of JP, Democrats, and MNP in their effort to end the government of Ibrahim Mohammed Solih. The PPM-PNC coalition also expressed their preference for President Yameen to be the common candidate.
President Yameen's candidacy faces a legal obstacle, as he is currently ineligible to run for election due to an 11-year imprisonment resulting from bribery and money laundering convictions. His eligibility to contest the election depends on a higher court overturning the Criminal Court's conviction.
