MALÉ: Jailed former Maldives president Abdulla Yameen was released from jail on Thursday after the High Court overturned his conviction and 11-year prison sentence, just days before the highly contested parliamentary elections.
The decision has injected a new dynamic into the political landscape of the Indian Ocean archipelago nation.
A three-judge bench presiding over the case determined that Yameen’s trial in 2022, which centered on allegations of corruption and money laundering during the tenure of a pro-Indian government, was unfair. Judge Hassan Shafeeu, while delivering the verdict, emphasized the unjust nature of the lower court’s ruling, prompting the decision for a retrial.
Yameen’s release from custody holds particular significance as he prepares to participate in the forthcoming parliamentary elections, representing candidates from a political party he established while serving his sentence. The former president, known for his pro-China stance, was convicted on charges related to accepting a bribe in exchange for granting a lease on a small islet for tourism development during his presidency from 2013 to 2018.
The latest ruling effectively sets aside the previous conviction, leading to the release not only of Yameen but also of his co-accused, businessman Yusuf Naeem, who was alleged to have facilitated the bribe payment.
During his tenure, Yameen pursued an ambitious agenda of infrastructure development, heavily relying on borrowing to finance projects aimed at bolstering the Maldives’ economy. However, his administration’s close ties with China and strategic decisions regarding infrastructure contracts have been subject to scrutiny, particularly in the context of the ongoing geopolitical rivalry between India and China in the region.
Current President Mohamed Muizzu has continued the trajectory of strengthening ties with China, as evidenced by recent infrastructure agreements inked with Chinese state-owned companies. Muizzu’s administration has emphasized the importance of securing a parliamentary majority to facilitate the implementation of ambitious infrastructure projects without facing obstruction from opposition parties.
As the parliamentary elections approach, political observers anticipate a fragmented outcome, with no single party likely to secure an outright majority. Muizzu’s party may need to form alliances with smaller parties to consolidate power, potentially leading to a coalition government.
While Yameen himself is not contesting the upcoming elections, his influence looms large as he backs a significant number of candidates who could play a pivotal role in shaping the post-election political landscape. Additionally, Muizzu’s commitment to fulfilling campaign promises, including the withdrawal of Indian troops and the advancement of infrastructure projects, remains under close scrutiny as the nation navigates through this period of political transition.
