Jumhooree Party (JP), Maldives National Party (MNP), and The Democrats have agreed to field a single candidate for the presidential election.
The decision was made during a meeting attended by Leader of Jumhooree Party (JP) Qasim Ibrahim, President of Maldives National Party (MNP) Mohamed Nazim, and former President Mohamed Nasheed on behalf of The Democrats. After the meeting, JP Leader Qasim said they have agreed to field a single candidate for the upcoming presidential election. He added that he would hold discussions with the main opposition Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and Maldives Reform Movement (MRM).
However, the opposition coalition has repeatedly stated that it would only support former President Abdulla Yameen for the election. PPM awarded its presidential ticket to former President Yameen in August 2022. However, he was sentenced to 11 years in prison in December 2022 after being found guilty of money laundering and accepting bribes in relation to the lease of Aarah, Vaavu Atoll, for resort development through the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC). He will receive the opportunity to run in the election if he wins the appeal case. The Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM) has stated that the Supreme Court has the authority to make the final decision on accepting Yameen’s candidacy.
The individuals who have announced their intention to run in the election include President Solih, who won the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) primary election. In addition, JP Leader Qasim and MNP President Nazim have received their party tickets while former Minister of Home Affairs Umar Naseer and former Attorney General (AG) Dr. Mohamed Munawar have also announced their intention to run in the election. Out of these candidates, only President Solih and Nazim have commenced their campaigning, while Qasim has not yet participated in the campaign activities of his party.