The main opposition, Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), has dismissed rumors suggesting that its leader, former President Abdulla Yameen, held a meeting with his nephew, Ahmed Faris Maumoon, the President of the Maldives Reform Movement (MRM), ahead of the presidential election.
Reports circulating in certain media outlets and social media claimed that Yameen, who is currently serving a prison sentence, met with Faris at Maafushi Jail, where the pair discussed a potential partnership for the election. Faris is contesting the presidential candidate as an independent candidate, backed by MRM.
In a statement, PPM refuted these allegations, labeling them as false and intended to sow division among party members. The party suggested that those spreading these rumors are unwilling to accept Yameen's endorsement of the PPM-PNC presidential candidate, Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. The statement also hinted at the involvement of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and his associates in the dissemination of such news.
"There is the possibility that [President] Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and his associates are behind the spread of this news," the statement alleged.
The PPM asked its supporters to stand with Muizzu, whom President Yameen has endorsed.
"And, for Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to god willing, win the September 9 election in a single round, please vote for him in the election," the PPM said, concluding its statement.
MRM's President Ahmed Faris Maumoon
