Despite awarding the party’s ticket for September’s presidential election to leader Qasim Ibrahim, the Jumhooree Party’s (JP) council on Wednesday discussed endorsing President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, the Maldivian Democratic Party's (MDP) candidate.
JP spokesman Ali Solih told Adhadhu that Qasim sought the council’s advice on supporting President Solih. When the proposal was put to the council at yesterday’s meeting, members rejected it in a unanimous vote, Ali Solih said.
The JP decided to contest separately in the presidential election at the party’s congress in February. A resolution to the effect was passed at the congress and approved by the council.
In line with the decision, a primary was called to elect the JP candidate. Qasim was awarded the presidential ticket as the sole contender in the primary.
But the lack of campaigning by the JP prompted speculation about Qasim dropping out and endorsing the president. Qasim addressed the speculation in a recently released video message.
“It’s not because of uncertainty that we haven’t been [campaigning]. We have certainty. However, because of the circumstances, I’m waiting for now. Even if I myself am not doing it, my party has been doing it,” Qasim said at the time.
