Vice President of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and Male' city Mayor Mohamed Muizzu has on Wednesday night addressed allegations that he was vying for the party's ticket to contest in the September presidential election.
Muizzu said his remarks were intended to prove his loyalty to jailed leader and former President Abdulla Yameen who is the presidential candidate of the largest opposition party.
"I am saying all this to assure my loyalty, my support to President [Yameen] with undeniable proof. I don't believe that it is right to remain silent for too long without addressing allegations," Muizzu said.
Elections Commission (EC) earlier said that Yameen's candidacy would be rejected if his jail sentence is not overturned. There were speculations that Muizzu hopes to get the ticket if Yameen is unable to contest.
Muizzu decided to hold a press briefing on Wednesday afternoon, before announcing its postponement. He appeared on opposition-aligned Channel 13 on Wednesday night and delivered a message to PPM members.
He spoke for 30 minutes about his unwavering commitment to Yameen and claimed that many people would be ready to back his statements. Muizzu noted that some PPM members were questioning his intentions due to the speculations.
"Even if people ask me questions and make accusations, my belief is that I don't need to answer each and every one of them. However, since I have not said anything about these speculations, I believe that some members are feeling uneasy."
EC invited applications from presidential candidates on Sunday. President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih as well as Jumhooree Party leader Qasim Ibrahim and Maldives National Party leader Mohamed Nazim are contesting in the September 9 election.
Only Hulhudhoo MP Ilyas Labeeb has stood in the presidential primary of The Democrats formed by Speaker Mohamed Nasheed.
PPM insists that Yameen remains its presidential candidate. There are disagreements among the opposition leadership as discussions take place about the course of action if Yameen is unable to contest.
