With the deadline for filing candidacy papers a week away, the Jumhooree Party (JP) has yet to show a running mate or campaign agent.
The JP awarded its presidential ticket to leader Qasim Ibrahim on June 9. However, the JP has yet to apply to clear his criminal record.
Presidential candidates, running mates and campaign agents are required to submit their criminal records. The Maldives Correctional Service (MCS) has confirmed to Adhadhu that an application has not been submitted on behalf of Qasim so far.
When asked about campaign preparations, JP spokesman Ali Solih said the only update, for now, was that the party has been campaigning on islands and attending to administrative matters.
Asked about the candidacy form, running mate and campaign agent as well as their criminal records, Ali Solih said the processes were ongoing but did not provide any further details.
While the JP lags behind in campaign preparations, presidential candidate Qasim Ibrahim said recently that educated people in the country should show the best candidate to the public.
"It is obligatory upon intellectuals to perform this duty now. They should tell the Maldivian people that this is the right candidate, that is the right candidate," Qasim said.
Three candidates contesting in the September 9 presidential election have now designated campaign agents. President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih appointed Kinbidhoo MP Mohamed Nashiz as his campaign agent. Dhagethi MP Mohamed Nazim appointed Vilimale' MP Ahmed Usham as his campaign agent.
Former President Abdulla Yameen, who is seeking to contest from prison, appointed Mohamed Tholal, secretary general of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM). Yameen's lawyer and former vice president, Dr. Mohamed Jameel Ahmed, was named as his running mate.
