Elected leader of the Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM), former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom says that no one can give the party’s ticket for the 2018 presidential elections without holding primary elections.

He made the statement in a phone interview given to the special coverage run by RaajjeTV over the effective shutdown of PPM.

Indicating that as per laws of the party, it was in an effective shutdown, former President Maumoon said the party was run against the laws and was in a legal vacuum.

Former President Maumoon further indicated that PPM was founded on 'noble principles' which included protection of Islam, independence, identity, democratic values, freedom of speech, among others.

‘When some members had violated these principles, [I] had sought to address these issues through dialogue within the party. Those members had sought to conduct their own agenda, instead of submitting through the council, cautioned those several times" Maumoon said.

Referring to the administration of President Abdullah Yameen, the former president said  said his successor was ruling against Party laws and ethos. He especially noted that corruption had reached excessive levels under the administration of President Yameen.

When questioned if PPM’s presidential ticket can be given to President Yameen without a primary, the former President it cannot be done so, as it was a flagrant violation of Party laws.