President's close aides meet Gasim

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's close aides met with Jumhooree Party (JP) leader Gasim Ibrahim, who is the leader of the Maldives' third largest political party and a key decision maker in previous elections, on Saturday.

In a photo posted on social media by members of the president's team, MDP parliamentary group leader Mohamed Aslam, and President Solih's younger brother, Hulhumale MP Ali Niyaz can be seen meeting with Gasim at his Sun Island resort.

There were no details about the meeting. Gasim also did not respond to calls.

On Wednesday, MDP’s national council authorised President Solih to conduct negotiations to form alliances with other political parties, political leaders, as well as political movements for the upcoming September 9 presidential election.

MDP formally presented the presidential ticket to Solih on Friday evening.

President Solih, who was the first to express his desire for a second term in office, said late last year that no party alone can win the election and that he is confident that he can defend the regime through a coalition. Since then, he has held informal talks with some coalition leaders.

President Solih came to power in 2018 through a coalition. While the alliance is still intact, they are yet to decide on an alliance with the president in this election.

JP had earlier said that the decision regarding the presidential elections would be taken by the new council to be elected at the party's national council meeting in Dharubaaruge on Friday.