PPM presents presidential ticket to Yameen

Opposition PPM-PNC coalition, on Friday, has presented their presidential ticket to PPM’s leader, former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom.

The presidential ticket was presented to Yameen at a grand ceremony held tonight, under the name ‘Havaaley Vathan’. A representative from all Maldivian islands, from north to south, participated in handing over the ticket to Yameen.

PPM’s senate named the party’s leader, former president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom as their candidate for the upcoming presidential election on July 31.

Abdul Raheem Abdulla (Adhurey), the leader of PPM’s coalition partner PNC, announced in a tweet on the evening of July 31 that Yameen had agreed to run in the elections in accordance with the senate’s decision.

The decision to present Yameen the presidential ticket without holding a primary has been heavily criticized by the public.

Commenting on the matter, Adhurey said that the presidential ticket was given to Yameen in accordance with PPM’s constitution. Stressing that other political parties have no room to criticize the decision – he added other parties making critical remarks as they are scared to compete with Yameen.

Whilst Yameen has been presented the presidential ticket – criminal proceedings of four charges raised against him are currently ongoing at the Criminal Court.

That is money laundering and bribery charges in connection to the sale of V. Aarah and R. Fuggiri during his administration.

He will not qualify for the elections if he is convicted.

Sentencing in Aarah trial is scheduled for September.

Yameen was found guilty of laundering USD 1 million from the sale of GA. Vodamula by the Criminal Court on November 28, 2019.  He was sentenced to five years in prison and fined USD 5 million. Supreme Court overturned the conviction in last November, ultimately freeing him.