Govt seeks more talks with breakaway JP over coalition future

Although the Jumhooree Party (JP) had decided not to back President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's re-election bid and has fielded party leader Gasim Ibrahim as its own presidential candidate, President Solih will take a decision on the removal of JP from the existing ruling coalition only after further discussions, government said Thursday.

Jumhooree Party decided to contest the September 9 presidential election separately. Maamigili MP Gasim on Thursday secured the party's presidential ticket uncontested.

Following the Jumhooree Party's decision earlier this month to contest the election separately, presidential spokesperson Miuvan Mohamed said at the time that President Solih would discuss with JP party leadership and Gasim about the future of the existing coalition. He had also said that if JP fielded a candidate, it would be "difficult to move forward with two presidential candidates in the government".

When asked by Atoll Times about the president's handling of the coalition after Gasim was confirmed JP's presidential ticket, Miuvan said the president was still considering further talks with JP and Gasim. 

"The president is yet to take a decision. We will discuss and decide," Miuvan said.

Adhaalath Party is the only ruling coalition partner to have backed President Solih. Former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom's MRM, which is part of the coalition, is yet to take a decision.

Maldives Development Alliance (MDA), which previously worked as an opposition party, decided to form an alliance with the president for the upcoming presidential election.