LEGAL CHALLENGE
Maldives strongman Abdulla Yameen clings to power
Yameen files a legal challenge against his recent landslide election defeat
Maldives strongman President Abdulla Yameen filed a legal challenge on Wednesday against his recent landslide election defeat despite international pressure for him to go quietly. Yameen, whose main political rivals were either in jail or in exile for the September 23 vote but was unexpectedly beaten by a unity opposition candidate, had already conceded defeat. But lawyers for Yameen’s Progressive Party of Maldives told reporters that they are alleging the poll was rigged by the independent election commission in a challenge filed with the supreme court. "We reviewed the numerous complaints filed by President Yameen’s supporters before deciding to file this challenge," Yameen’s lead lawyer, Mohamed Saleem, said. "So in light of that, President Yameen decided that the challenge must be filed for the rights of his supporters," he added. It is unclear whether the supreme court will agree to consider the challenge. The election, which has seen a tussle for influence between India and Ch...
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