JP decides it will not back another candidate during first round

Jumhoory Party (JP)’s council decided on Wednesday that it will not back another candidate during the first round of voting in the upcoming presidential election.

JP’s council convened for a meeting that stretched to two hours on Wednesday night.

Speaking to press after the meeting, JP’s chief spokesperson Ali Solih said that the council has decided it will not back any other candidate except for the party’s leader Qasim Ibrahim.

Qasim had previously held talks with former president Mohamed Nasheed and Maldives National Party (MNP) leader Colonel (Retired) Mohamed Nazim, and had announced that they had agreed to back a common candidate.

However, JP, MNP and Nasheed’s Democrats have all been running separate presidential campaigns.

Ali Solih said that during Wednesday’s meeting, Qasim shared information regarding his talks with other political parties.

“It was decided during tonight’s council meeting not to back another party. Qasim Ibrahim will contest the election,” he said.

He said the decision will not affect the JP’s relations with other political parties.

Also, during Wednesday’s meeting, the council authorized Qasim to choose his own running mate.

“We are doing the necessary work to submit Qasim Ibrahim’s candidacy form to the Elections Commission,” said Ali Solih.