Vice President of Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), Ahmed Shiyam has stated that there are no plans to support Jumhooree Party (JP) Leader, Qasim Ibrahim's bid for the 2023 Presidential Election.

Answering a question from One Online regarding the candidacy of former President Abdulla Yameen following his 11 year jail term, Shiyam reiterated that President Yameen will remain as the presidential candidate of PPM.

While Shiyam has stated that there are no plans to back Qasim, he had also invited PPM to be part of the ongoing discussions with political parties regarding the election. However, no official talks have been held between both parties as of yet.

The Criminal Court has found former President Abdulla Yameen guilty of corruption and money laundering charges related to the sale of resort development acquisition and leasing rights to Vaau Atoll Aarah, and sentenced him to 11 years in jail.

Shiyam noted that the case is now in the appeal process, adding that President Yameen will win the appeal and be free from it. Hence, he highlighted that there is still time for him to compete in the election, adding that PPM has not thought of any other options as of yet.

While JP is rallying support for Qasim at the election, the candidate had stated yesterday that he would compete in the election even if he was to stand alone.