The Progressive Party of Maldives has decided that their special congress meeting will be carried out behind closed doors, with access granted only to a pro-government broadcaster.

The congress, that began Friday evening, has elected incumbent President Abdulla Yameen, as president of the party – with unanimous votes from participating members.

While the congress is underway, some members of the party – that withdrew support for President Yameen – have contested the lawfulness of the congress.

Their claim is that the congress should be held with the participation of the party’s elected council, which includes former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, who is a leader of the opposition.

The party’s current council was elected for a five-year term, which expired at the end of January this year. The congress will see a new council elected.