Qasim says he is 100 percent sure Maldivians will elect him in one round

Jumhoory Party (JP)’s leader and presidential candidate Qasim Ibrahim, on Monday, stated he is contesting the presidential elections slated for September 9^th under the belief that Maldivians will election him in one round.

Speaking to the press after submitting his candidacy form to the Elections Commission (EC) – Qasim said he was entering the presidential race to sincerely work for the people, with love, instead of his own personal benefit.

“If Maldivians were to elect me as their president, I want nothing more than what I have in my companies,” he said.

“I do not want anything else from this nation,” he added.

Referring to accusations by some people claiming he would try to expand Villa Group’s companies if elected, Qasim outright denied the elections, pledging he would not do such a thing.

He also said if elected, he will be appointing individuals who are educated and believed to be free of corruption.

Qasim also said all opposition political parties failed in their bid to back a common candidate as each party, respectively, wanted to produce its own candidate for the first round.

“Every political party wants to run the race to test the first round,” he said.

He said political parties have been formed for this particular purpose, and not to carry out any political or social work.

When asked whether Qasim will form a coalition with President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih if the election goes to a second round – he responded by saying he was entering the presidential race to win in one round.

“Why not ask whether we will come first, and win the elections in one round,” he slammed the question.

“I am entering the race under the belief Maldivians will elect me in one round. Am hundred percent sure Maldivians will elect me in one round,” Qasim stressed.

Speaking further, Qasim said the public must be aware of the unfoldings during the two times he backed Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) for presidency and the one time he backed Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) for presidency.

Therefore, he said the public, as a test, must vote for him this time.

Qasim has picked JP’s deputy leader and close aide Ameen Ibrahim as his running mate.