Top JP officials back Pres Solih in runoff despite no coalition

Jumhoory Party (JP) leadership members, after failing in the September 9 presidential election and deciding not to form an alliance with any party, have started expressing their support for MDP's candidate, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in the second round scheduled for September 30. 

After discussions with the PPM-PNC and MDP, which went to the second round of the election, the party's council meeting held on Tuesday decided not to support any party in the second round of the election.

Later, when party secretary general (SG) Ali Arif stepped down from the post to join the campaign of PPM-PNC presidential candidate Dr Mohamed Muizz, the party's leader Gasim Ibrahi  issued a statement addressing the general members of the party stating that every member has the right to support a candidate who they support without involving the party's name.

With that, some of the party’s leading members are taking the side they want in the 2nd round and expressing their support for a particular candidate.

Some JP councilors have already announced the candidate they support, while others have said they will announce a decision soon. Many of the leading members of the JP have expressed their support for President Solih.

Those who decided to support President Solih and announced it:

Riyaz made the announcement by sharing a photo with President Solih on X.

Sharing a photo of himself with President Solih, he posted on X that he decided to support President Solih for want of a better choice. The post said that President Solih is the best decision for the people of the country. He added that he has not left the JP even if he decided to support President Solih.

Meanwhile, Gasim's special envoy Ilham Ahmed posted on X on Thursday that an important political decision has to be taken and the decision will be announced very soon.

He said he had had many different political experiences in the past 15 years since he entered politics in 2008 and would decide based on those "bitter experiences"

It is learned that he too has decided to support President Solih.

Official results of the September 9 presidential election 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.