Yameen’s party submits 3,000 membership forms, two days ahead of deadline

The People’s National Front (PNF) – the new party led by former Maldivian president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom – submitted the 3,000 membership forms it needs to officially register as a political party on Tuesday – two days ahead of the deadline given by Elections Commission (EC).

Yameen, the former leader of the ruling PPM-PNC coalition, was sentenced to 11 years in prison on December 25, 2022, on charges of bribery and money laundering in connection to the sale of V. Aarah.

He was transferred home on October 1, 2023 – a day after President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu won the presidential elections. But less than a week after President Muizzu took office in November, Yameen left the ruling coalition, and initiated efforts to form a new party.

PNF received the go-ahead from the EC to form as a political party on November 29.

The law grants new parties three months to meet the minimum membership requirement of 3,000 needed to officially register. PNF had until Thursday to meet the deadline.

EC’s secretary-general Hassan Zakariyya confirmed to Sun on Tuesday that the commission has received 3,000 membership forms from the PNF.

He said the commission is now verifying the forms.

Yameen’s conviction barred him from being officially listed as PNF’s founder. The application was instead filed under the name of his son, Zain Abdulla Yameen.

Back when the party filed its application in November, Yameen’s close aide, former science minister Mohamed Maleeh Jamal said they planned on submitting 3,000 membership forms within 24 hours.

In December, Maleeh said the party had met the membership requirement, but would not file the forms with the EC until Yameen is free.

Yameen has appealed his conviction with the High Court. While the appellant court wrapped up its hearings three months back, it has yet to deliver a verdict.

Despite the law prohibiting him from engaging in active politics due to his conviction, Yameen continues to be heavily involved in PNF’s activities, even attending party meetings and campaign events.

He has also grown increasingly vocal in his criticism of President Muizzu’s administration.