'No MDP without Nasheed', says Qasim

There will be no Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) without the Party's President, Mohamed Nasheed, Jumhooree Party (JP) Leader Qasim Ibrahim has said.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 4th National Conference of the JP, Gasim lauded former Maldives President Nasheed. Qasim said that although Nasheed has made some mistakes in the past, he believes Nasheed has made improvements with the experience he has gained since then.

"I don't believe there will be [MDP] without you," said Qasim, nodding at Nasheed, who was also present at the ceremony.

At the ceremony, Qasim handed over the letters of appointment to his five advisors. Among the advisors is former Vice President Abdulla Jihad.

Nasheed was also present at the opening ceremony of the JP Congress. Qasim's praise for Nasheed comes at a time when Nasheed has said he would not back MDP Leader, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, in the upcoming Presidential Election. Nasheed has said Qasim would not support President Solih either.

Some of Nasheed's close associates say Nasheed would support Qasim if he contests the upcoming presidential election. While President Solih has invited the members of the current ruling coalition, which includes JP, to form an alliance with him for the upcoming election, JP has decided at its National Conference that the party would contest the presidential election.