Gasim initiated common candidate talks; will succeed, says JP

Spokesperson for Jumhoory Party (JP) leader Abdulla Ameen said on Saturday that the JP leader Gasim Ibrahim has taken the initiative to field a common opposition candidate to defeat President Ibrahim Mohammed Solih in the upcoming elections, and that he was very confident they would succeed.

Ameen, who sits on the JP council as Gasim's advisor, made the remarks at a meeting at M. Kunooz with delegates assigned for doo-to-door campaigning in Male and Villimale. 

Ameen said the key message the delegates get from the public when they visit residences is that all opposition parties should work together to win the presidential election.

“Therefore, our candidate, honourable Gasim Ibrahim, has taken the initiative to consult with political parties to arrange things in that direction,” Ameen said.

Ameen, who served as the first health minister of the government, said all opposition politicians should work together to nominate a single candidate.

Gasim, former President Mohamed Nasheed and MNP presidential candidate Mohamed Nazim held a discussion meeting in M. Kunuz on Wednesday to discuss the issue. The three leaders agreed to field a common candidate if the main opposition PPM, and former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom's MRM agree.