Several people are requesting to compete in PPM primary: Ilyas Ibrahim

Ilyas Ibrahim has said that several people have requested to compete in the primary election of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), which will be held to elect the person who will contest in this year’s presidential elections with the PPM ticket.

Ilyas, who is the brother of the wife of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, said that several people from the islands have also made the same request.

“[Requests to compete in the PPM Primary are coming] from within the party as well as from atolls. A lot of requests are being received [in this regard],” he said.

Ilyas filled the post of minister for several ministries in Gayoom’s administration. He said that he is being asked the question whether he would compete in the election, but he has not yet responded directly to any of them.

“During the past year or so, people have asked me if I would contest in the primary. I respond by saying that I’d neither say that I would, nor that I won’t,” he said.

He said that it is likely that he contests in the election if he comes to believe that him contesting would result in something positive.

“Considering the interest of the nation, if I come to believe that it could result in a positive outcome, my decision might change. Personally I am not planning to contest. I would prioritise the party’s interests. I would consider the situation around me before taking any action,” he said.

He said that his decision in relation to the primary will be revealed at the last minute.

Umar Naseer and Gayoom’s brother Abdullah Yameen have announced their decisions to contest in the PPM primary. Umar has also recently made comments supporting Ilyas.

Ilyas has made statements suggesting that his decision will come after confirmation of who will contest in the election.

“If I decide not to contest [in the primary] it will be revealed at the end of the period, when people see that I did not contest. Even I don’t know yet who will contest. [I don’t even know] if it is only those two [Yameen and Umar Naseer] [who have decided to contest],” he said, implying that Gayoom may also contest in the election.

A council member of PPM has told Sun Online on the condition of anonymity, that if Gayoom decides to contest in the presidential election, Ilyas will support Gayoom; but if Gayoom does not contest, Ilyas will definitely be seen in the presidential race.