First Lady launches President Yameen’s presidential campaign for 2018

First Lady Fathimath Ibrahim has launched President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom’s campaign for Presidential Election 2018.

First Lady Fathimath Ibrahim’s office kicked off the presidential campaign in a function held at the Maldives Ports Limited area in Hulhumale’ on Friday night.

In addition to the First Lady, the function, titled “Feshun” – meaning “beginning” – was attended by Cabinet ministers, lawmakers, and members of the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM).

Parliament majority leader, Vilimale’ MP Ahmed Nihan Hassan Manik, along with others who spoke during the function commended First Lady Fathimath Ibrahim for her contribution in bringing President Yameen to power in 2013.

Nihan declared that First Lady Fathimath Ibrahim was altogether exemplary, and advised candidates who plan on contending in Presidential Election 2023 to chose a wife with the same virtues as her.

260 new people joined PPM during Friday’s function, whose application forms were accepted by First Lady Fathimath Ibrahim.

First Lady Fathimath Ibrahim’s office noted that the event wasn’t the official launch of President Yameen’s presidential campaign by PPM, but an event organized solely by the First Lady’s office.

PPM is yet to hold a primary to select its candidate for the Presidential Election 2018. Some among PPM have voiced the opinion that President Yameen should be allowed to compete in the election as the party's candidate, without a primary.