PPM: Death threat made against Muizzu to divide leadership

Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), on Wednesday, condemning the death threat made against Male’ City Mayor and the party’s deputy leader Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, has attributed the death threats to an attempt to divide the party’s leadership.

A threatening message was sent to Muizzu’s wife’s mobile by an unknown party on Tuesday night, alleging Muizzu of gunning after opposition PPM-PNC coalition’s presidential ticket. Muizzu filed a police complaint over the threat.

PPM, in a statement released on Wednesday, condemning the threat in the harshest terms, urged police to investigate the matter.

In the statement, the party also clapped back at whoever made the threat, stating they are mistaken if they believe such an unsophisticated and cowardly act.

It was further stated that opposition PPM-PNC coalition’s leadership and senate will work to defend their leader and presidential candidate Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom without consideration of such threats.

The threat to Muizzu accused him of attempting to overturn Yameen’s decision. Ambiguously, it further stated he would ‘face major problems’ if he continues to work in this trajectory. It also stated that Dr. Mohamed Jameel Ahmed, Yameen’s running mate and head of his legal team, will be the presidential candidate of the opposition PPM-PNC coalition under circumstances Yameen cannot contest.

Yameen was sentenced to 11 years in prison for money laundering and bribery in connection to the sale of V. Aarah for resort development on December 25, 2022.

However, Yameen has signed his candidacy from behind bars, with assistance from Maldives Correctional Service.

The form was handed over to EC’s Chairman Fuad Thaufeeq by Yameen’s election agent, PPM’s Secretary General Mohamed Tholal on Tuesday morning during a small-scale ceremony held for the purpose at EC’s focal point for the presidential elections established at Dharubaaruge. Later in the day, EC announced their decision against accepting Yameen’s candidacy form; a decision which was appealed to Supreme Court on Wednesday morning.

With the possibility the appeal might be unsuccessful, Yameen has instructed PNC to produce a candidate for the election. Muizzu is among individuals who is a prospective candidate. However, he has yet to officially comment on the manner.

Rumors claim Muizzu controls the opposition PPM-PNC coalition’s senate. Muizzu, in a speech last week, stressed against challenging Yameen’s candidacy, and reiterated his support to Yameen.

Opposition PPM-PNC coalition’s leadership decided to bestow Yameen the power to choose a candidate. Yameen, however, refused to unilaterally make the decision and requested PNC’s senate to choose a candidate.