Former President and leader of the People's National Front (PNF), Abdulla Yameen, has called on voters to support Abdulla Sodiq (Sobe), the candidate from the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), in the upcoming by-election for the vacant Hithadhoo North constituency seat.
The election, scheduled for this Saturday, features a head-to-head contest between Sodiq and Ahmed Saeed of the ruling People's National Congress (PNC). Saeed has been assigned candidate number one, while Sodiq is candidate number two.
"Do not vote for the PNC candidate. The MDP candidate is contesting there, so if we are to change the current situation, I choose the MDP candidate over the PNC candidate, just as I have appealed before. I would say voting for the MDP candidate is the right thing to do," Yameen stated during a gathering at the PNF office last night.
Yameen’s endorsement comes as the two main opposition factions prepare to collaborate more closely. Following a meeting last month between three former presidents currently in the opposition, discussions are ongoing to launch joint activities under the banner of a "United Democratic Front."
The Hithadhoo North seat became vacant after the Supreme Court ruled on April 12 that the previously elected member, Mohamed Sinan, had lost his seat due to a proven debt case.
Prior to the seat being declared vacant, Sinan had actually defeated Saeed in the PNC primary to contest the by-election, securing 226 votes to Saeed’s 187.
However, the PNC leadership ultimately revoked Sinan’s ticket at the last minute and handed it to Saeed. Commenting on the decision, Sinan stated he decided not to contest the by-election as he believed it was the most favorable path for the party to ensure victory.
