PNC's presidential candidate, Male' City Mayor Dr. Mohamed Muizzu did not have a direct answer when quizzed on whether he will hand over power to former President Abdulla Yameen, after he is freed from jail.

President Yameen is serving an 11-year prison sentence after being found guilty of money laundering and accepting bribes in connection with the lease deal of Vaavu Atoll Aarah.

After the Election Commission (EC) refused to accept Yameen's candidacy, the opposition fielded Muizzu as a candidate.

At a press conference held at the party office last night by the PPM and PNC leadership, many journalists raised questions related to Yameen. Muizzu was repeatedly asked by a journalist whether he would resign and hand over power to President Yameen when he is freed if Muizzu is elected coming September.

"The law clearly states everything. We are going ahead with everything in consultation with President Yameen," Muizzu replied.

Muizzu said that the first thing that will be done after winning the election is to free Yameen on the basis of the law.

Muizzu further said that the leadership and members of the two parties had made several efforts at various levels to secure the release of President Yameen. Muizzu said Yameen decided to field another candidate from the opposition so that the two parties could continue their work.