After leaving the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), former President Abdulla Yameen is creating a new party called the People's National Front (PNF) under the name of his son Zain Abdulla Yameen, it has been revealed.
The Elections Commission's (EC) permission was sought this morning to form the new party. The name and logo of the new political party were shared on social media last night.
Mohamed Maleeh Jamal, the Youth Minister during Yameen's government who is leading the effort, said Yameen wanted to create the new party under the name of eight people, including himself.
But the EC's regulations state that approval for forming a political party must be sought by one individual.
"What's been discussed now is for the permit to be issued to Zain Abdulla Yameen on behalf of Yameen," Maleeh revealed.
The co-founders would be Yameen, his former Vice President Dr. Mohamed Jameel Ahmed, former police chief Hussain Waheed, former Muleeage chief of staff Ahmed Musthafa, Adhly Ismail, Dr. Jihad Hassan and Ali Adam from Kakaage.
"We will break the record of forming political parties in the Maldives. We will do that. The party will contest for Mayor of Male' City. We will also contest majorly in the parliamentary elections," Maleeh said.
Most leadership figures of the Progressive Party of Maldives-People's National Congress (PPM-PNC) coalition have distanced themselves politically from Yameen and some have spoken in defense of the government.
Yameen left the PPM and decided to form a new party after accusing the party's leadership of sidelining him. Several allegations were made on behalf of Yameen against President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, including ignoring his phone calls and messages.
