Maumoon decides not to compete in presidential primary

Former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has said that he will not compete in the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) presidential primary, scheduled to be held on the 30th of next month.

A one page statement published today on the official PPM letterhead signed by Maumoon stated that; “I have decided not to take part in the PPM presidential primary scheduled to be held on the 30th of next month.”

The statement also stated that he believes that “there are people in the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) leadership that are capable of fulfilling the Maldives presidency.”

Maumoon said that he will stand beside the person who wins the PPM presidential primary and that he will do whatever is in his capacity to help the person win the presidential election.

Also the president of PPM, Maumoon said that even though he will not be competing the PPM presidential primary, he will work steadfast to improve the and further develop the party.

Maumoon conveyed his gratitude to the people who had called him to ask him to compete in the primary.

Application period for the candidates who wish to compete in the PPM presidential primary will expire next Thursday. The party has said that there have not been any nominations so far.

PPM parliamentary group leader and Mulaku MP Abdulla Yameen and the party’s Interim Deputy Leader Umar Naseer are currently campaigning for the primary.