Muizz silent after Yameen picks Jameel as running mate

All senior leaders of the PPM-PNC coalition except PPM vice president Dr Mohamed Muizz has congratulated former vice president Dr Mohamed Jameel Ahmed after his appointment on Sunday as the running mate of the coalition's presidential candidate Abdulla Yameen.

The PPM announced the appointment of Jameel, who heads Yameen's legal team, as his running mate in the September 9 presidential election.

As soon as the official Twitter account of the PPM announced the appointment, all the PPM-PNC vice-presidents tweeted to welcome him. However, Muizz, who has been accused of trying to get the party's presidential ticket in a situation where Yameen cannot contest, has not yet welcomed Jameel.

Muizz did not respond to requests for comment. 

Among others who did not welcome him was PPM-PNC President Abdul Raheem Abdulla. However, he welcomed the move and retweeted the PPM's tweet announcing Jameel's appointment.

Muizz gave a video message on Channel 13 on Wednesday expressing his loyalty to Yameen, and denied the allegation that he was trying to win the PPM presidential ticket.

Initially, he invited journalists to deliver the video message. However, without explaining the reason, he cancelled the press conference and made a video message that night in a sudden move and revealed that he was with Yameen.

Nominations for the September 9 presidential election are being accepted from 9am Sunday to 2pm on August 7 from the election headquarters at Dharubaaruge.

The opposition PPM-PNC has handed over their presidential ticket to Yameen.