Qasim accuses MDP of heading towards injustice

Jumhooree Party's (JP) leader Qasim Ibrahim, on Monday, accused Maldivian Democratic Party of opposing the constitution and heading down the path of injustice, while criticizing JP's acts regarding the parliamentary elections scheduled for upcoming Saturday.

JP has been on the receiving end of heavy criticism from MDP for the party's decision to endorse opposition candidates hailing from Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and People's National Congress (PNC).

Moreover, MDP stated that a member of the ruling coalition working with the opposition is unacceptable.

Several senior JP members have also indirectly disapproved of Qasim's decision to work with opposition parties. Some even supported MDP's sentiments, accusing JP of heading down the path of injustice.

Qasim described MDP's comments as a case of 'pot calling the kettle black.' JP leader also drew examples from instances when Nasheed's administration failed to uphold the values of the constitution.

"Who went against the agreement, broke all promises, made decisions without discussions, spoke in favour of acts prohibited in Islam, forgot their humble beginnings along with all the circumstances that led them to power, and enacted laws opposing the constitution?" Qasim questioned.

Additionally, Qasim criticized MDP's statement advocating for super-majority in the parliament.

Referring to the coalition agreement, Qasim repeatedly questioned whether the election proceedings were in line with the arrangement.

Qasim guaranteed that he will not allow any illicit acts while filling the position of parliament speaker. He further assured that he will also act within the constitution.

Disputes between the JP and MDP escalated into heated exchanges following MDP's refusal to uphold their end of the coalition agreement. The agreement allocated a certain number of seats for each party, based on their involvement in the current administration.

However, MDP rejected the agreement claiming it was contradictory with the party's charter, and decided to compete for all the constituencies instead.

Qasim's disapproval for MDP's decision resulted in him forming an alliance with former president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom.

This act lead to Nasheed stating that the JP leader was being deceived by Yameen.