Former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s eldest son, Farish Maumoon, is seeking the ruling party’s ticket for the upcoming by-election for the vacant Dhiggaru constituency parliament seat.
The by-election, scheduled for June 6, was triggered by the conviction of former Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) MP Ahmed Nazim on corruption charges. The Supreme Court sentenced Nazim to 25 years in prison on April 6 for defrauding the state of MVR1.4 million (US$91,400).
Ahead of a 4:00pm deadline today, four others have submitted applications to contest the primary, including Meemu atoll councillor Moosa Naseer, Imran Ismail, Moosa Naseer Ahmed, and deputy environment minister Mohamed Hanim.
The candidates are to be first vetted on their loyalty to the party, role in campaigning for the party’s candidate in the 2013 presidential election, and the duration of membership in the party.
A primary will only take place if more than one candidate receives over 75 percent or higher.
The opposition coalition, made up of the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party, religious conservative Adhaalath Party, and leaders of the Jumhooree Party, are meanwhile holding discussions on fielding a single candidate.
Adhaalath spokesperson Ali Zahir told the press today that he will contest the by-election.
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Gayooms son-------no problem getting elected then ???
Oh dear, another ex dictator trying to hold on to power by steering his son into the driving seat. Political power must be very addictive. Once you've had it you're hooked.
Is there anyone in the present Maldives government who isn't related in some way to the Gayoom family, either brother, sister, son, daughter, uncle, aunt, cook, driver, masseur, gateman, gardener, mother in law or next door neighbour?