Nasheed unable to contest, ready to propose ‘clean’ candidate: Qasim

Jumhoree Party (JP) leader Qasim Ibrahim has said that former President Mohamed Nasheed is unable to contest in the presidential election and that JP is ready to propose a ‘clean’ candidate for the opposition coalition.

Nasheed, who is in self-exile after fleeing a prison conviction, won the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)’s ticket after being the sole contestant in the party’s primary election. But the Elections Commission and government officials have said he cannot contest in the election because of his conviction.

Qasim, in a letter to JP’s council members, noted the disagreements between the opposition coalition parties but said that JP does not wish to delay any discussions.

He also said that one member of the coalition publicly giving his own opinions would be mistaken for the opinions of the coalition, adding that JP will never agree to change the Maldivian system of governance, to create two governments, or change the administration through the help of foreign powers.

In the now publicized letter, Qasim noted that Nasheed is legally unable to contest the election and said that JP cannot accept the coalition bringing out a high-risk candidate or running mate. He added that, up to this point, JP has never believed that anyone other than a member of MDP should become President.

Qasim said JP is ready to propose a candidate who is not involved in any criminal proceedings and has a clean slate and is even willing to hold discussions with either a party or independent candidate.

He also expressed his wish to move things along at a swift pace to lead the citizens and nation towards independence.