Qasim re-elected as JP’s leader for fourth term

Jumhoory Party (JP) has announced the re-election of Maamigili MP Qasim Ibrahim for a new term as the party’s leader.

Qasim has been serving as JP’s leader for the last 15 years. He had run for re-election for a fourth term uncontested.

JP announced his re-election during the party’s congress Saturday.

Other candidates automatically elected to positions after running unopposed include Abdulla Yameen – who was elected president of JP’s youth league, Shuaib Shifaz Shareef – who was elected vice president of JP’s youth league, and Aishath Shooza Ahmed – who was elected secretary of JP’s women’s league.

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. He won 15 percent of votes in 2008, and 24 percent of votes in 2013 – not enough to qualify for a second round.

However, a now-overturned conviction rendered him ineligible for the 2018 election. JP joined a coalition with Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), which went on to win the election.

JP will make its decision regarding the presidential election scheduled for September 9 on Saturday.