Leader of the Jumhooree Party (JP) Qasim Ibrahim has announced the party will contest in the upcoming presidential election.
Speaking at a party rally, the coalition partner of the government, Qasim said a political party is formed to contest elections and achieve the aspirations of the people. He added all the governments that have been formed in the Maldives under the multi-party system have been formed with the involvement of JP, noting that no coalition honours the agreements made to come to power.
Furthermore, speaking about the arrangements of JP for the upcoming election, Qasim revealed a candidate will be nominated in accordance with the party policies. However, the party council will decide whether the candidate will contest with or without a coalition, he said.
At the rally, Qasim praised how President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih managed the COVID-19 situation and the economic policies of the government. Referring to the situation in Sri Lanka, among neighboring countries, Qasim said the Maldives was saved from reaching that point because of the president's strong economic policy. He also thanked the president for his sincere efforts so far in running the government.
In conclusion, Qasim said the party's biggest effort will be to increase its membership to 30,000 before the presidential election to be held next year.