JP decides to not back any candidate in runoff
Both MDP and PPM have held negotiations with Gasim and JP officials over the past week.
Jumhooree Party (JP) on Saturday decided to remain neutral and not back any candidates in the upcoming presidential runoff.
The decision by JP, led by Maamigili MP Gasim Ibrahim who secured only 5,460 votes in the first round of the presidential election held on September 9, was taken at a party council meeting held at its headquarters at M. Kunooz in capital Male.
The council meeting discussed for about two hours whether the JP should back a candidate in the second round or not.
After expressing their views at the council meeting attended by 68 members:
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The first proposal asked whether to back a candidate in the runoff; 16 members supported the proposal
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The second proposal was to give Gasim the power to decide whether to support a candidate in the second round; the motion passed with 66 votes in favour
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Following the passage of the second proposal, Gasim decided not to support any candidate in the runoff
Official results of the presidential election on September 9 show main opposition PPM-PNC's Dr Mohamed Muizz leading the polls with 46%, while President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih secured 39%.
To win outright, a candidate needs more than 50% of the votes. As no candidate crossed the threshold, a runoff between the top two contenders will take place on September 30.
Both MDP and PPM have held negotiations with Gasim and JP officials over the past week.
President Solih travelled to Gasim's Sun Island Resort on Wednesday and was there till Friday afternoon to coinvice Gasim to back him in the runoff.
