Maldives - August 2023

The Supreme Court on 6 August upheld the Election Commission's (EC) decision to decline the candidacy of former president Abdulla Yameen in next month's general election scheduled for 9 September, despite appeals from his lawyers. Yameen was convicted on corruption and money-laundering charges in December 2022, resulting in an 11-year prison sentence. The Supreme Court noted that the EC's rejection under Article 109 of the Constitution was valid, an article which disqualifies candidates running for president with a criminal sentencing that exceeds 12 months. The main opposition People's National Congress has since nominated Mohamed Muiz as Yameen's replacement.

Sources: Maldives Financial Review, The Diplomat, The Associated Press