PPM's poster of 66 religious scholars endorsing President Yameen in upcoming elections 'fake'

It has been revealed that the poster being shared by the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), of 66 Islamic scholars that are allegedly in support for President Abdulla Yameen in his bid for re-election, is fake.

While the photo was publicized via twitter by PPM's parliamentary group leader Ahmed Nihan, he seems to have deleted this post since. However, a Facebook post still remains.

Facebook post shared by PPM PG leader, Ahmed Nihan

Sharing the poster, the Villimalé constituency MP had written that 66 religious scholars have endorsed the incumbent president and his running mate, Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed. He added that they are the 'only choice' for the sustenance of the Islamic faith in Maldives.

However, some of the scholars whose photos are included in the poster have since expressed disapproval over the matter.

This includes Sheikh Ahmed Nazih, who called the poster and its message 'a blatant lie'. Noting that this his name and photo had been used without approval, Nazeeh tagged MP Nihan to his twitter post and asked him 'not to include him in their game'.

In addition, Sheikh Nimal Mohamed said that he has yet to reveal a side in this month's ballots while Sheikh Mohamed Sham'oon requested to keep him away from the political game being played by Nihan.

Sheikh Ali Zaid also criticized Nihan and PPM over the 'fake list', saying that such acts 'will only be detrimental to those that attempt to mislead the public with such lies'. He cautioned those committing such acts to refrain from doing so.

Some individuals are working to portray that a certain party is synonymous with Islam, added Zaid in a different tweet.

The ruling party has been subject to immense backlash after the poster was publicized.