Leader of Jumhooree Party Qasim Ibrahim has expressed readiness to break away from the coalition with the main ruling party and to join with other political parties for the upcoming parliamentary elections. Qasim Ibrahim made the remarks after indirect comments directed at President of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Mohamed Nasheed.
In a tweet, Qasim said once more MDP has abandoned Jumhooree Party following a presidential election win. He revealed interest and willingness to hold discussions with other political parties to compete for the upcoming parliamentary elections.
Meanwhile, in a statement, MDP has revealed the leadership of Jumhooree Party is not exerting enough efforts to withdraw the bill submitted to the Parliament by one of its parliamentarians seeking to ban former presidents from competing in parliamentary elections. MDP reiterated the bill is a direct attack at former President Mohamed Nasheed, who is a candidate for the parliamentary elections, and called immediately to withdraw the bill. The main ruling party further asked Jumhooree Party to put forth the agreement of the ruling coalition.
Responding to MDP, Qasim said he is not surprised the actions of the main ruling party had disrupted the coalition. He further questioned whether a coalition still exists, adding MDP competing for all constituencies in the parliamentary elections is against the agreement made with the coalition partners.
Qasim openly expressed keenness to partner with other political movements for the parliamentary elections as MDP held a successful primary elections and elected candidates for the elections scheduled to be held on April 6.
Since the announcement by MDP that it will compete for all the constituencies, Jumhooree Party has also opened opportunity for contestants to compete for all the constituencies. However, the party is yet to announce a party primary or hand tickets to the contestants.
Other coalition partners, Maumoon Reform Movement and Adhaalath Party have also announced they would field candidates for the elections.