Allegations President Yameen is getting ready to ‘flee’ angers PPM

Allegations by opposition that President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom is getting ready to leave Maldives and go into hiding has angered several Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) lawmakers and senior officials.

Yameen lost his bid for re-election to Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (Ibu) – the opposition coalition’s candidate – during the presidential elections held in Maldives on September 23.

The opposition, who allege Yameen is getting ready to flee the country to escape prosecution for alleged wrongdoings following his defeat, filed a case with the Maldives Police Service last Wednesday night, asking the authorities to impose a travel ban on him.

PPM has been holding nightly demonstrations in front of the party headquarters since Yameen’s defeat, alleging the vote was rigged by the Elections Commission.

During PPM’s demonstration on Wednesday night, deputy leader of PPM, Fonadhoo MP Abdul Raheem Abdulla said the opposition was creating rumors “because they have nothing better to do.”

“These rumors being spread that President Yameen is about to flee. President Yameen is not one to leave the country. He is too much of a patriot for that,” said Abdul Raheem.

Abdul Raheem said the Maldivian people had no reason to suspect Yameen would not make every sacrifice necessary for the sake of the country.

He criticized Hassan Latheef, the Chairperson of Maldivian Democratic Patrty (MDP), who filed the case with the police last Wednesday night.

“Hassan Latheef and the others didn’t go to the police station because there’s any truth to it. But to create doubt and suspicion in the hearts of President Yameen’s supporters. To destroy the love and respect they have for him,” said Abdul Raheem.

He also said the return of First Lady Fathimath Ibrahim from abroad was proof Yameen had no intention of going into hiding.

PPM councilwoman, Heena Waleedh expressed similar sentiments during her interview to Channel 13 last Wednesday night.

Heena also said Yameen wasn’t one to go into hiding, unlike several political leaders who have gone into self-imposed exile in recent years.

“I want to assure our supporters, our president, President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom is not so weak as to go into hiding. He is braver than that,” said Heena.

The opposition claims they filed the case with the police to prevent Yameen from leaving “until the investigation is concluded”.

“It is absolutely necessary that President Yameen is legally banned from travelling abroad,” said Hassan Latheef, speaking to press outside the police headquarters.