In a surprising turn of events, former President Dr. Mohamed Waheed announced his resignation from the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) on Thursday, August 10. Dr. Waheed, who had been serving as the party’s special advisor, took to Twitter to share his decision with the public. The move has sent shockwaves through the nation’s political landscape and has sparked discussions about its implications for the upcoming presidential election.
In his official statement on Twitter, Dr. Waheed explained that his resignation was motivated by his desire to contribute to a political space that embodies stability, integrity, and honesty. He expressed the belief that his skills, experience, and knowledge could be better utilized for the success and benefit of all Maldivians in an environment that prioritizes the nation’s wellbeing over party interests. Dr. Waheed’s departure from PPM marks a significant shift in his political trajectory and raises questions about his potential future endeavors.
The backdrop against which this resignation unfolds is the PPM’s recent endorsement of People’s National Congress’ (PNC) presidential candidate, Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. This endorsement comes after a period of intense debates within the coalition regarding the optimal composition of the presidential ticket. The decision to support Dr. Muizzu was a culmination of careful considerations and evaluations of each candidate’s suitability for the role.
Interestingly, prior to these developments, there had been speculations suggesting that Dr. Waheed was contemplating his own bid for the presidency. He had reportedly taken concrete steps towards this ambition, including filing to clear his police record in anticipation of participating in the upcoming presidential elections. However, the political landscape experienced a seismic shift when former President Abdulla Yameen was disqualified from running for the presidency, altering the dynamics within the coalition.
With Dr. Muizzu’s candidacy ultimately gaining approval from the coalition’s senate, it appears that Dr. Waheed’s presidential aspirations have taken a back seat. The former president’s resignation from PPM is not only a reflection of this change but also signals a possible departure from partisan politics. Observers and political analysts are now speculating about the potential roles and initiatives that Dr. Waheed might pursue outside the confines of a single party.
As the Maldives gears up for the upcoming presidential election, Dr. Waheed’s resignation introduces a new dimension of uncertainty into an already complex political landscape. The decision raises questions about how his departure might impact PPM’s future trajectory, as well as whether he will align himself with any other political entity in the lead-up to the elections.
