Ameen to contest for JP's running mate

Jumhooree Party (JP)’s deputy leader Abdulla Ameen has announced that he is contesting for the opposition coalition’s running mate.

At a press conference on Tuesday, JP’s deputy leader Ameen handed his application form to contest for the position to the party’s secretary general Ahmed Sameer.

At the press conference, Ameen said that he wants to play a role in bringing the necessary political reforms and to overcome the tyranny that the nation is facing for the past five years. Ameen said that he also wants to fulfill JP leader Qasim Ibrahim’s hope for the nation through the coalition parties.

Ameen also said that no matter the outcome of the election, he will remain steadfast in defeating President Abdulla Yameeen's tyranny and bringing about a new government.

The opposition coalition parties have agreed to back a member of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) as their common candidate and a member of JP as their running mate for September’s election.

MDP has elected its parliamentary group leader Ibrahim Mohamed Solih as the candidate.

While JP previously stated that it will elect the running mate through a secret vote on Saturday, the party council has now decided to elect the running mate on Friday.

JP secretary general Sameer has said that other party members have also expressed interest in contesting but he did not disclose any names.