JP says to contest presidential election

Jumhooree Party (JP) announced on Wednesday that the party’s name would undoubtedly be on the presidential ballot papers next year. 

JP, which forms the current government's coalition, has yet to make a decision on the elections with time having run short for next year’s presidential elections. 

The delay from JP was earlier thought to have been due to the then ongoing trial of former president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom. However this trial concluded yesterday with Yameen being sentenced to be imprisoned for 11 years.

In response to a question from Dhauru news regarding JP’s political future, party spokesperson Ali Solih dismissed the suggestion that a decision to take part in the presidential elections had been tied to any trials that had taken place. 

“Party’s national assembly is scheduled to be held early next year. A new council will be elected in this meeting and it will be this council that decides on the presidential election,” Ali Solih, who is also that state minister for Environment Ministry said.

“For sure our party’s name will be on the ballot paper. Our logo will be seen. There is no doubt about that.”