Coalition's future in doubt: '2 pres candidates can't be in govt'
President Solih had earlier invited the Maamigili MP to form an alliance with him in the September 9 election.
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With Jumhooree Party (JP) deciding to contest this year's presidential election, it will be difficult to move forward with two presidential candidates in the ruling coalition, presidential spokesperson Miuvan Mohamed said Wednesday.
JP's council on Tuesday voted in favour of fielding its own candidate to the September 9 presidential election.
In response to questions JP's future in the ruling coalition, Miuvan said JP is yet to officially respond to President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's invitation to all existing coalition partners to renew the coalition agreement for another five years.
The president will negotiate with JP leadership and JP leader Gasim Ibrahim.
President Solih had earlier invited the Maamigili MP to form an alliance with him in the September 9 election.
The president's invitation was extended to other coalition partners in the government as well, but only Adhaalath Party has taken a decision on the invitation. Adhaalath decided to support President Solih.
Out of the three elections held since the ratification of the new constitution, Gasim contested the presidential elections in 2008 and 2013. However, he failed to obtain votes to advance to the run-off.
The last time, in the 2018 presidential elections, Gasim could not contest due to a jail sentence against him at the time.
