The Jumhooree Party (JP) leader and its presidential candidate, Qasim Ibrahim, has officially announced that he will not be endorsing President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in the upcoming presidential election.
Despite being part of the current ruling coalition, JP declined President Solih's invitation to continue their alliance for the upcoming presidential election. Instead, JP has opted to field its own candidate for the election.
Officially responding to the invitation sent by President Solih on February 19, Qasim said as the party has declared him its presidential candidate, he would uphold and enforce the decision made by the JP Council. He emphasized that he was committed to serving the best interests of the people, in line with the council's decision.
Qasim noted that the JP worked to elect President Solih in the 2018 presidential election and recalled that JP backed MDP in the second round of the 2008 presidential election. He underscored that both candidates were elected in the respective elections and explained that the JP supported the MDP candidates both times to protect the Maldives' territory, independence, sovereignty, and religion. He said the JP supported the MDP candidates on the basis of their promises to protect and develop the Maldives' strategic assets and economy, establish justice, promote social harmony, and bring development and progress to the country, ultimately ensuring a peaceful and fulfilling life for the people.
However, considering the handling of these matters during President Solih's tenure and in light of the current situation in the Maldives, JP has decided to field its own candidate for the election, Qasim said.
The JP decided to contest the presidential election at its national congress held on February 23-24 this year. The resolution was unanimously passed by the party council. The JP presidential ticket will be officially handed over to Qsim at a rally taking place tonight.
