Democrats in talks with JP over backing Gasim
Democrats have yet to respond to a request for comment. However, some JP sources confirmed to Atoll Times that the talks are ongoing.
By
Mohamed Muzayyin Nazim
The Democrats, founded by former president Mohamed Nasheed, is in talks with Jumhooree Party (JP) to back JP presidential candidate Gasim Ibrahim after withdrawing from the presidential race, Atoll Times has learnt.
Democrats has chosen Hulhudhoo MP Ilyas Labeeb. They have been travelling to different regions across the Maldives to garner support for Ilyas.
However, Atoll Times has learned that the two parties have started negotiations because they believe that if the two sides work together, it will be easier to defeat President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in the September 9 presidential election.
A decision is expected to be announced on Sunday or Monday.
Democrats have yet to respond to a request for comment. However, senior JP sources confirmed to Atoll Times that the talks are ongoing.
Before Nasheed formed the Democrats, his MDP faction decided to work together with JP in the presidential election and held talks to formulate a manifesto. However, Nasheed's proposal to change the system of governance to parliamentary system was not supported by Gasim and the talks stalled.
In addition, Democrats and JP along with MNP agreed to field a common candidate if the main opposition PPM and MRM agreed to it. However, discussions on the matter did not take place later.
