Ali Waheed quits Jumhoory Party

Former tourism minister and the former leader of Jumhoory Party (JP) Ali Waheed has left the party.

In a tweet on Wednesday, announcing his exit from the party, Ali Waheed said it had been an honor to work alongside JP’s current leader, Qasim Ibrahim.

“Will remain steadfast in the Maldives and its citizens’ row,” he added.

Ali Waheed played an active role in JP’s leader Qasim Ibrahim’s campaign in the first round of the presidential election. He took part in the campaign after returning to Maldives following almost three years of self-exile in the UK.

His return was subsequent to Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO)’s decision to file the case against him after victims and witnesses in the sexual misconduct allegations case against him sent a letter to the PGO and the police, requesting the authorities to drop the case.

Allegations that Ali Waheed sexually assaulted and harassed multiple female employees at the Tourism Ministry were brought to the attention of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih mid-2020. He was initially asked to voluntarily resign but was dismissed after he refused on July 9, 2020. 

He was also dismissed from his post as the leader of JP after amending the articles of association of the party.

Ali Waheed was pressed with seven charges in connection to the allegations; attempted rape, inflicting a sexual, indecent exposure, sexual assault, attempt to cause sexual assault, and two counts of unlawful sexual contact. He left the Maldives mid-trial, claiming for medical purposes.

At the time of his return, not only the sexual misconduct case against him had been dismissed, the Supreme Court sentencing Ali Waheed to two months and 12 days in prison for contempt of court after he failed to show up for a hearing, had also been nullified.

Speaking to the press after his return to Maldives, Ali Waheed said he no longer harbored interest to work in the political arena – adding he will mostly be seen at the football front then.

During his time in UK, he coached the Sporting London FC.

A close acquittance of Ali Waheed told Sun, referring to his earlier remarks, that Ali Waheed will now be involved in Atolls FC, a new football club launched by him after his return.