Supreme Court has nullified the lawsuit filed at the Civil Court to handover the leadership of Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) to former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.
Two separate lawsuits were filed at Civil Court regarding the validity of the leadership of PPM. One case was filed seeking a leader for PPM as the position was vacant since the presidential election, while the second case was filed against the Elections Commission for rejecting the Extraordinary Congress held by PPM. Both cases were taken over by the Supreme Court, although the cases were submitted to the Civil Court.
Supreme Court even held an appeal hearing during January to oversee whether Civil Court can proceed with the cases. However, in the verdict announced on February 5, the Supreme Court said even though the statements of the two cases differ, it was clear the cases were filed to handover PPM to former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.
Supreme Court ruled that the Civil Court verdict of 2016 is valid and upheld the verdict. Noting the recent case filed at the Civil Court regarding the validity of PPM Extraordinary Congress, the Supreme Court stated the superior courts have concluded the case.
Moreover, the Supreme Court said while the cases have been concluded by the superior courts, there should be no concern or doubt regarding the leadership of PPM. Supreme Court has upheld the verdict of the High Court which ruled the Extraordinary Congress was valid and the leadership, led by former President Yameen Abdul Gayoom and elected during the congress, is the legitimate ruling body of the party.
Following the conclusion of the cases regarding the validity of the leadership, former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom revealed plans to form a new political party.