Decided to support Yameen over similarities in manifestos: Gasim

Jumoory Party (JP) leader Gasim Ibrahim has said his decision to support Progressive Party of Maldives’ (PPM) candidate Abdulla Yameen for the upcoming presidential runoff was heavily influenced by the similarities in the policies and manifestos of both parties.

Following a highly anticipated decision that took four hours of deliberation by the JP council on Wednesday, the party decided to back PPM for the second round of the presidential election, set for 16 November.

Speaking after announcing the decision to follow PPM in the runoff, JP leader Gaim said the contrast between JP’s and Maldivian Democratic Party’s (MDP) manifesto is much greater, compared to that of PPM.

“Looking at the sentiments that Jumhoory Party has voiced so far, and other factors that I have just mentioned, there are a lot of similarities with PPM’s manifesto. There are similarities in MDP’s manifesto, but there are large differences too. We considered this and without further discussion, with 15 votes out of the 20 present, it was decided to support PPM,” Gasim said, speaking in JP’s main campaign post M. Kunooz Wednesday night.

He also made a heartfelt appeal for all his supporters and close associates to vote for Yameen in the Saturday election.

“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 said.

He said JP, PPM and supporting parties have also agreed to work together for the upcoming local council election, to be held in late December. Details of the campaign will revealed at a later date, he said.

Speaking at the press conference, PPM president, former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom thanked Gasim and JP’s council for declaring their support. He said a PPM coalition government will pay special attention to protect the rights of persons working in the judiciary and the men and women of the security services.

PPM candidate Abdulla Yameen said JP will have a fair share in a PPM coalition government and that “Gasim will not face the bitter situations he had to face with other coalitions in the past.”