Jumhooree Party has concluded its third national congress on Saturday evening.

Over 400 members and representatives attended the event held at Paradise Island Resort this weekend. In addition to JP members, senior officials of the opposition coalition attended the event as well.

Before the congress meeting commenced, officials held 'unofficial' meetings to discuss the upcoming presidential elections.

The party launched its new logo and flag at the congress meeting, with the party highlighting that both had been approved by the Elections Commission. The Commission banned the use of Jumhooree Party's logo and flag back in June 2017, noting that it 'closely represents the seal of the President'.

At the congress, the party decided to choose its presidential candidate through a primary election after amending its regulations. However, only JP's council members will be able to vote on the matter.

In addition, it elected a new president at the congress meeting. Former chairperson of Maldivian Democratic Party, who recently joined JP, was elected as the president. However, an amendment was made to handover the president's powers to the party's deputy leader.

As per the amendment, in the case that there is no leader, the deputy leader will hold the powers of the party. The deputy leader will be appointed by the party's council.

Futhermore, JP has passed a resolution not to elect a party leader unless certain criteria are met, including Supreme Court making a decision on the Criminal Court’s prison conviction issued on leader Qasim Ibrahim or after he completes the sentence. In addition, an election for party leader can only be held if Qasim himself makes the request.

While Dr. Abdulla Mausoom was elected as vice president, the toughest competition was for the post of deputy leader. Five members contested for the post where only four were to be elected; Dr. Hussain Rasheed Hassan,  Ameen Ibrahim, Abdulla Ameen and Mohamed Fayyaz were elected as deputy leaders, while Abdulla Kamaaludheen lost.

Waleedha Waleedh was elected as the president of the women's league while Assadh Riza was elected as the president of the youth league.

In addition, 15 members were elected to the party's council.

Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party is to hold its national congress next weekend.