Party leader Qasim will determine a running mate: JP officials

While the Maldives Joint Opposition Parties are to put forward a running mate from Jumhooree Party (JP), senior officials of the party have said that self-exiled party leader will determine who will be put forth.

Speaking to RaajjeMV, a senior official of JP said that a running mate will be announced within the second week of the month.

While main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) elected it’s parliamentary group leader Ibrahim Mohamed Solih as its candidate for the upcoming Presidential Elections, it was later announced that Solih will run for Presidency in the case that party leader Nasheed cannot contest.

The senior official of JP also said that Qasim, who is currently residing in Germany after fleeing his prison conviction, will have the final say in the decision reached by the JP’s council regarding a running mate to be put forth.

“Council will determine a running mate of Qasim’s choice. However, it will not take much longer. It will be decided on the 10th of July” said a council member of JP.

Nominees for the post of running mate include MP for Kendhoo constituency Ali Hussain, MP for Kaashidhoo constituency Faisal Naseem, former MP and Minister Dr. Abdulla Mausoom, former minister Abdulla Kamaaluddin, former State Minister Abdulla Ameen, former State Minister Mohamed Fayaz as well as JP’s secretary general Ahmed Sameer.

Moreover, JP’s President Ali Waheed had earlier called on the opposition coalition to back Aishath Nahula, leader Qasim’s youngest wife for their running mate in the ballots.

Nahula who is JP leader’s youngest wife, is also a council member of JP.