Opposition Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) has given tickets to 13 additional individuals, to contest in the upcoming parliamentary elections, without holding a primary.

The announcement was made at a press conference held on Tuesday afternoon, where current party leader former President Abdulla Yameen was in attendance.

Speaking afterwards, the former president said that holding a primary “is not a solution,” and added that “loyal” party members could lose opportunity if a primary is held.

He emphasized that those that have been given tickets without a primary has his full support for the parliamentary elections. The party has given tickets to a total of 55 individuals, including 24 of its current representatives in parliament, out of 30.

Further noting that the party will not be contesting for Vilufushi constituency, Yameen said that it will instead be supporting the current MP for the constituency, Riyaz Rasheed, in the election.

While MP Rasheed recently defected to Jumhooree Party (JP), he was seen with Yameen supporters on the day the former president was summoned to the police for questioning over money-laundering allegations.

Jumhooree Party has since decided to take measures against party members that had come out in Yameen’s defence last Saturday.

While Yameen continues to give out party tickets for next year’s parliamentary elections, he has begun work to form a new political party, out of fear of losing PPM as Supreme Court looks into issues regarding the party’s leadership.

Yameen confirmed this at Tuesday’s press conference.