Qasim: Faris capable of being JP’s running mate

Jumhoory Party (JP)’s leader Qasim Ibrahim states that Maldives Reform Movement (MRM)’s president Faris Maumoon is capable of being JP’s running mate in the upcoming presidential election.

Qasim made the comment while speaking to the press outside former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s office on Monday, following discussions regarding the election.

When asked whether Faris could appear as JP’s running mate, Qasim responded that it is possible, and that he is more than capable of the position.

“Its possible. Why not? These are all possibilities. Why not? I say this because he’s a capable and educated individual,” he said.

Qasim said that he engaged in discussions with MRM regarding a possible partnership following JP’s decision to run in the election independently.

“Everyone has certain aspirations. We contested in 2008 and again in 2013. We were denied the chance to contest in 2018,” he said.

Qasim repeated his assertation that JP politicians in top posts in President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s administration do not need to resign.

“If the coalition breaks, there’s no government. We have a coalition agreement. Promises were made. It must be honored,” he said.

Both JP and MRM are part of the current coalition government. While JP has decided it will run in the election independently, MRM has yet to make a decision regarding President Solih’s invitation to back his re-election.