Qasim Ibrahim, the leader of the Jumhooree Party (JP), has been selected as the official presidential candidate for the upcoming election. The announcement was made during a special ceremony at the Alimas Carnival in Male’ City, where the JP also launched its presidential campaign, complete with an official slogan and song. In his address to supporters, Qasim outlined his policy priorities and vision for the presidency.
As the sole member of the JP to submit his candidacy for the primary election, Qasim’s previous attempts in the 2008 and 2013 presidential elections fell short of advancing to the second round. Despite being invited by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih to rejoin the ruling government coalition, the JP has opted to field its own candidate and lead a separate coalition in the forthcoming election.
Scheduled for September 9, the presidential election will feature notable contenders, including President Solih, who emerged victorious in the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) primary election. Additionally, former President Abdulla Yameen, the candidate of the main opposition coalition, awaits the outcome of his appeal case as he currently serves an 11-year prison sentence for corruption and money laundering charges.
In addition to Qasim, Mohamed Nazim, President of the Maldives National Party (MNP), has secured his party’s nomination, while former Minister of Home Affairs Umar Naseer and former Attorney General Dr. Mohamed Munawar have expressed their intention to participate in the election.
