Dr. Muizzu Steps Up as Opposition's Contingency Plan in Maldivian Presidential Race

MALE' CITY, MALDIVES - In a significant development, the People’s National Congress (PNC) has elected Male’ City Mayor Dr. Mohammed Muizzu as the party’s candidate for the upcoming presidential elections. Dr. Muizzu, formerly the Vice President of the opposition Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), recently resigned from his post to run in the PNC’s internal election.

In the internal election, Dr. Muizzu battled against MP Adam Shareef Umar. A narrow victory saw Dr. Muizzu secure 25 votes, while MP Adam received 23 votes from the party's senate.

This election result thrusts Dr. Muizzu into a potentially vital role for the opposition coalition. He is poised to be the backup candidate should President Yameen, the PPM's presidential candidate, be unable to participate in the forthcoming election.

The Election Commission of the Maldives recently rejected President Yameen's candidacy, with the matter now under review by the Supreme Court. Yameen's candidacy was dismissed on the grounds of his ongoing 11-year jail sentence, but a decision by the Supreme Court is expected in the coming days. If the court upholds the Election Commission's rejection, Dr. Muizzu will officially run as the opposition candidate.

As part of his campaign strategy, Dr. Muizzu has nominated Hussein Mohammed Latheef as his running mate. Latheef, a seasoned member of parliament, is currently serving his second term as an MP.