Ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) through a coinciding nod from its council meet-up has nominated Maldives Islamic University's chancellor Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed as president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom's running mate.
The decision was announced shortly after a meeting on Saturday evening.
Dr. Mohamed Shaheem has also been the first Islamic Minister under president Abdulla Yameen's administration when he was sworn back in 2013.
The former Islamic Minister resigned from his cabinet responsibilities shortly after Adaalath Party broke off the alliance with ruling party. Dr. Shaheem clashed with his former party, the religiously conservative Adaalath Party following its decision to break its ties with Abdulla Yameen's administration.
Dr. Shaheem was elected to president Abdulla Yameen's cabinet through Adaalath Party's slot.
The religious scholar is known for his close connection with Saudi royals and dignitaries. Interestingly the Maldives president is keen on further cementing the bilateral ties between the island nation and Arab league's major nation.
