The Progressive Party of Maldives-People's National Congress (PPM-PNC) has filed a case in the Supreme Court following the Elections Commission (EC)'s rejection of presidential candidate and former President Abdulla Yameen's candidacy.
The EC on Tuesday declared that Yameen is ineligible to contest the September 9 presidential election. The EC legal team advised that the 11-year prison sentence on Yameen has not been quashed by any courts.
Yameen is currently serving the sentence in jail 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.
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.
The appeal of Yameen's conviction and sentence 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.
Discussions are taking place within the PPM-PNC about fielding a separate presidential candidate from the PNC amid doubts over Yameen's candidacy.
