Qasim runs for re-election as JP’s leader; Nahula for deputy leader

JP's leader Qasim Ibrahim (R) and spouse, Transport Minister Aishath Nahula (L). (Sun Photo/Ahmed Aushan Ilyas)

Jumhoory Party (JP)’s leader, Maamigili MP Qasim Ibrahim is running for re-election as the party’s leader for the fourth consecutive term, while his wife, Transport Minister Aishath Nahula is running for deputy leader.

JP is set to elect members to leadership roles for a new term during its congress from February 24-25.

The application deadline expired at 12:00 pm Saturday.

Qasim is running unopposed for JP’s top position, while over a dozen members have applied to run for deputy leader.

JP’s spokesperson Ali Solih told Sun on Saturday afternoon that over a dozen members have applied for deputy leader, including Minister Nahula.

He described the competitiveness for the position as a matter of huge pride for the party.

The candidates running for JP’s deputy leader include:

Transport Ministry Aishath Nahula
State Minister Hassan Mughnee
Qasim’s Executive Secretary Iqbal Adam
Incumbent deputy leader Ahmed Saud
Immigration Controller Mohamed Ahmed Hussain (Hanafy)
Former South Thinadhoo MP Abdulla Ahmed
Former Transport Minister Ameen Ibrahim

JP will elect four deputy leaders.

“This is Jumhoory Party’s most competitive election yet. This is a happy moment for Jumhoory Party in its history,” said Ali Solih.

JP’s newly-elected council will be in charge of making the important decision of the party’s approach to the upcoming presidential election during the congress. They will decide whether the party will produce its own presidential candidate or join a coalition.

JP is the third largest party in Maldives with some 18,000 members.

JP’s leader Qasim had contested the 2008 and the 2013 presidential elections. While he didn’t get enough votes to qualify for a second round in either of those two times, JP has been a part of the three coalition governments elected since the enactment of the new constitution.