Gasim says out to ‘save’ Pres Solih from external influence

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih is under the influence of external parties, Jumhoory Party (JP) leader Gasim Ibrahim said on Saturday, as he branded himself as the candidate who is contesting the election to the president from the unidentified external forces.

Gasim, who rejected the president's invitation to renew the coalition agreement for another term despite still being in the coalition, made the remarks while campaigning for the presidential election in Sh. Kanditheemu on Saturday.

Gasim has criticised President Solih over the delimitation of the territorial waters between the southernmost Addu and Chagos, and the presence of Indian troops in Maldives.

President Solih did not disclose his letter to the Mauritian Prime Minister explaining Maldives's recognition of Mauritius' sovereignty over the Chagos.

"Pretending like he doesn’t hear the comments shouted at him, not bothering to ask anything; do you think he is like that because he is unable to feed himself? No. I believe he is being crushed under the weight of some external influence, and he is unable to move in any direction. I am here today, to work to save him from it all,” he said.

Pointing out that President Solih had acted in violation of the constitution in the Chagos case, Gasim said the only way Solih can avoid violating his oath and the constitution was to reveal to the people what was contained in the confidential letter.

Gasim said he would not stop talking about it no matter what the government does and what action countries take against Maldives. The reason, he said, is that the guilt in the sight of God is too great.

Gasim added: