Jumhooree Party (JP) leader Qasim Ibrahim was forced to contest in the presidential election because of politicians close to him, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has said.
Speaking on Raajje TV's Fashaairu program on Saturday morning, Solih said Qasim told him that he did not wish to run for president in the September 9 election, but was forced by those close to him.
"Qasim said those who advise him have a different opinion and that he was contesting under compulsion. That is what Qasim told me," Solih said.
The President said he did not have any disagreements with Qasim.
"They say they are satisfied with our policies and progress. And they believe that the MDP [Maldivian Democratic Party] is the only party they can work with in the upcoming term," he stated.
