Gasim makes heartfelt appeal to vote for Yameen

I can say with confidence, that our government will not be inhuman; we know that if we start focusing our energy on vengeance, we will not succeed in combatting the challenges we face.

We have also agreed to work together in the upcoming local council election and parliament election. Gasim Ibrahim did not make any demands. God willing, if Yameen and Dr Jameel are elected, we will work with JP.

I was defeated in both rounds, that is, the elections on 7 September and 9 November. Regardless of what people say, we have to accept this decision. One should not be proud in national issues. I urge everyone who voted for me to pray, and vote for Yameen, for the sake of Islam and our culture.

Gasim has made several brave decisions. We saw him being summoned to the police for these decisions. He continues, without hesitation. We will work together, with no discrimination in terms of people’s political views. The efforts to elect PPM on 16 November, are efforts towards strengthening democracy in the country.

With this coalition, Gasim will not face the bitter situations he had to face with other coalitions in the past. God willing, we will work together to find the Maldives wished for by the people. This is a historical decision, a decision made for the sake of the nation and religion. There are officials in Jumhooree Party who share our ideals, so this decision did not surprise me. All the parties have come together, and now, should we focus on a civilised ideology, or the uncivilised incidents of three years? Gasim’s decision to be neutral was the result of the experiences of former coalitions. But this decision is welcomed by the people. I would like to thank President Gayoom for his efforts to gain votes for myself and Dr Jameel.

God willing, this coalition will facilitate good things for the people of the Maldives. Following the second round of the election, Yameen Abdul Gayoom will become president, and Dr Jameel will become vice president.

This election is more important than the election of 2008, and more important than the election that will be held in 2018. This election is important for two reasons, that is, because we have Islam and the culture of the Maldives on one side, and something else on the other side. On this side, we have the principles of Islam. On the other side, they have some other principles. If other religions are introduced in our country, we would end up in strife and lose our sovereignty.

PPM council held an emergency meeting today. I suggested that we join JP and do the necessary under both parties’ mandates. With the consent of the council, I proposed this to the leader of Jumhooree Party.

The meeting of the National Steering Committee began this evening, and four hours later, they decided to support Yameen in the second round. On this occasion, I would like to thank Leader of Jumhooree Party Gasim Ibrahim and members of the National Steering Committee. Today, we have seen Gasim’s national service.

God willing, we have united to win this. I urge all JP supporters, my family members, and everyone to vote for Abdulla Yameen. This is my request. With the advice of Maumoon Abdul Gayoom who introduced democracy in the Maldives, I believe we will win this.

Gasim did not publicly declare his support for any candidate. Based on the views expressed by the council members present at the meeting, he asked for a vote. 15 members voted in favour of PPM, five members abstained.