Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has granted permission for Minister of State for National Planning, Housing, and Infrastructure Akram Kamaludeen to compete in internal elections.
Akram has submitted his candidacy to compete for the seat of President for Male' Constituency along with former Mayor of Male' City Sifa Mohamed. MDP initially banned Akram from competing in the internal elections but later overturned the decision following an appeal. However, the ruling party has still not reversed the decision on banning Minister of Youth, Sports, and Community Empowerment Ahmed Mahloof from running in the internal elections.
In a tweet, Mahloof said it had been six days since he appealed the decision and that MDP regulations dictate that appeals be resolved within two days. He urged MDP to review his appeal quickly in order for him to begin his campaign for the MDP national congress election, which is scheduled for September 25.
MDP has banned all individuals who were involved at any level in the corruption scandal of Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) from contesting in any of the internal elections of the party.
Furthermore, MDP has also banned individuals named in any of the lists publicised by the Presidential Commission on the Investigation of Murders and Enforced Disappearances (DDCom) or the Presidential Commission on Corruption and State Asset Recovery, in relation to any crime. Prosecutor General's Office (PGO) has stated it will forward Mahloof's case regarding his alleged involvement in the MMPRC corruption scandal for prosecution after the administrative work is completed.
However, PGO has not made a statement on whether it plans to forward Akram's case regarding his alleged involvement in the scandal for prosecution.