President Yameen Teams Up with Former VP Dr. Jameel for Presidential Race

MALE, MALDIVES — In an unexpected political twist, the opposition Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) announced today that former Vice President Dr. Mohammed Jameel Ahmed will run alongside the currently jailed President Yameen in the upcoming presidential elections.

Dr. Jameel, a seasoned lawyer and political figure, has held several key positions throughout his career, including Chief Criminal Court Judge and Home Minister. He previously served as Yameen's Vice President in 2013, before a vote of no confidence led to his dismissal mid-term.

Post-dismissal, Dr. Jameel played a significant role in opposing President Yameen's administration. However, he returned to Yameen's side when the ousted president was charged with money laundering. As Yameen's legal counsel, Jameel has defended him in court since the charges were filed.

Dr. Jameel has publicly expressed gratitude towards President Yameen and the PPM for selecting him as the running mate.

Meanwhile, Yameen continues to serve an 11-year jail sentence. His appeal is currently under consideration by the high court. It remains unclear whether his candidacy will be accepted by the election commission if his conviction stands. The deadline to submit applications for candidacy is August 7th, leaving the duo with a narrow window for this legal dilemma to be resolved.

This surprising political reunion has raised several questions about the future of the Maldivian political landscape.