The Election Commission (EC) has declared Progressive Party of Maldives-People's National Congress (PPM-PNC) presidential candidate and former President Abdulla Yameen ineligible to contest the September 9 presidential election.
Yameen's candidacy papers were handed over by his campaign agent and PPM's Secretary General Mohamed Tholal. EC President Fuwad Thowfeek accepted the forms on Tuesday morning.
Adhadhu understands that the PPM-PNC has been informed of the EC's decision not to accept the candidacy.
Yameen is serving an 11-year prison sentence after he was found guilty of accepting a USD 1.1 million bribe to lease Vaavu Aarah in the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) corruption scandal.
The EC legal team advised its members that the prison sentence has not been quashed by any courts.
The appeal of the verdict started at the High Court but only one hearing has been held since the Eid holidays. The case has stalled due to the leave of judges.
A constitutional case was also filed twice in the Supreme Court to ensure Yameen's electoral rights. Both times the court dismissed the case.
If a person has been convicted of a criminal offense and sentenced to more than 12 months, he must have served that sentence or been pardoned for three years to be eligible to contest in the presidential election.
The applicant would have the right to appeal in court if unhappy with the EC's decision. It is believed that the EC's decision would be appealed at the Supreme Court on behalf of Yameen.
Discussions are taking place within the PPM-PNC about fielding a separate presidential candidate from the PNC amid doubts over Yameen's candidacy.
