MP Adam Shareef and Male' Mayor Dr. Mohamed Muizzu have both expressed confidence in becoming the opposition People's National Congress (PNC) candidate for September's presidential election.
Speaking to Adhadhu after a PNC senate meeting held today to decide on fielding a candidate, PNC vice president Adam Shareef said he was "100 percent sure" of winning the candidacy.
"I have 100 percent certainty that I can win the vote to be taken today," Adam Shareef said.
Dr. Muizzu, who expressed interest in contesting, also believes he can secure the candidacy as he has loyally followed former President Abdulla Yameen, leader of the Progressive Party of Maldives-People's National Congress (PPM-PNC) coalition.
"God willing, I can win the primary. Everyone believes that I am someone who has worked in line with President [Yameen's] thinking in all matters," Dr. Muizzu said.
Muizzu, who was vice president of the PPM, joined the PNC earlier today in order to be eligible for the sister party's candidacy.
"I am contesting in the primary called by the PNC for the purpose of freeing President Yameen. My hope is that I won't have to do this," Muizzu told Adhadhu.
Opposition leader Yameen's candidacy was rejected as he is serving a prison sentence. He instructed the joint leadership of the PPM-PNC to field a PNC candidate as a backup if he remains barred from contesting.
Rumors swirled about Dr. Muizzu's interest in contesting the election when the PPM-PNC launched campaign activities. But he repeatedly denied it before today.
The other contender for the candidacy, Adam Shareef, did not previously indicate any interest in running. This is the first time that he expressed interest in the candidacy.
As the deadline for submitting candidacy papers is next Monday, there is no time to hold a primary to elect the presidential candidate as required by the PNC's governing statutes, which has been amended to authorize the senate to decide the candidate.
The senate is due to meet later on Wednesday afternoon to make a decision. A deadline of 2 pm was given for interested candidates to submit applications.
At this morning's senate meeting, 44 out of 47 voted in favour of fielding a candidate.
