JP to host national assembly in Feb

Jumhooree Party (JP), the country's third largest party, will hold its national assembly next month.

With time running short for the presidential elections, JP, which is part of the current government's coalition, is yet to make a stand for the elections. JP, which has nearly 18,000 members, will take decisions related to the presidential race from the party's council, which will be passed by the national assembly session next month.

If there is a need to change the basic rules of the party, it will also be done at the meeting.

Party council member and senior spokesman Ali Solih told Atoll Times that the important work required to hold the national meeting has been completed and a date for the cancellation will be announced soon.

"It is very much connected to the party's presidential race. As of now, it will be held someday next month," said Ali Solih, who was minister of state for environment in a JP slot.

"Things in the presidential race will depend on the decisions taken at the meeting. Everyone is waiting for that decision."

Ali Solih said that with a large number of people attending the meeting, the current task is to arrange a suitable venue for the meeting.

Attending the national meeting:

JP had earlier said that the party's name will be on the ballot papers in this year's elections.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's running mate, Faisal Naseem, is the then Kaashidhoo MP and current Vice President Faisal Naseem.

JP leader Qasim Ibrahim contested the presidential elections in 2008 and 2013 out of the three elections held since the adoption of the new constitution. However, there were not enough votes in either of the two elections required to go to the second round.

The last time the 2018 presidential elections came, Qasim could not contest due to a verdict at the time.

However, in the previous three elections, each ruler managed to win by forging an alliance with the JP.