Pres should resign if JP decision threatens coalition, Gasim says

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih should also step down from his post if the ruling coalition has to be dissolved following the decision of coalition partner Jumhooree Party (JP) on Wednesday to contest this year's presidential election separately, JP leader Gasim Ibrahim said Wednesday.

JP's council on Tuesday voted in favour of fielding its own candidate to the September 9 presidential election.

Presidential spokesperson Miuvan Mohamed said Wednesday that with JP deciding to contest this year's presidential election, it will be difficult to move forward with two presidential candidates in the ruling coalition. 

Gasim responded to Miuvan's remarks in Wednesday's parliament sitting when he responded to statements made by some pro-government lawmakers that those in JP slots in the government should resign. 

The Maamigili MP said the existing coalition agreement will continue till November 18. JP's decision to not form an alliance with President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in the upcoming presidential election is not a reason to break the existing coalition, he said.

He said while some MPs were talking about the need for those holding government posts in JP slots to resign, they should consider whether JP was given "even half" under the coalition agreement.

"I would say from a point of view that it is shameful to talk about resigning from the posts that have already been given, but it is not a shame at all. We have signed an agreement that will last till November 18 this year. If the coalition has to be dissolved, then the honourable president should also resign," Gasim said.

"I will not ask anyone to resign before November 18 this year."

The owner of tourism-to-retail Villa Group said that under the coalition agreement, each party is allowed to contest the September 9 presidential elections separately.

"I think that's the point of forming independent political parties too," he said.