Qasim's running mate reveals reason for backing Pres Solih

Jumhooree Party (JP) leader Qasim Ibrahim's running mate for the first round of the 2023 presidential election, Dr. Ameen Ibrahim has officially endorsed President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih ahead of the runoff polls on September 30.

Speaking about his decision, Dr. Ameen said that he chose to support president Solih because he did not want Maldives to revert to unjust governance.

After officially joining president Solih's campaign efforts, Dr. Ameen on Sunday, September 23, said he did not wish for the Maldives to revert back to a period of fear and intimidation among the citizens.

He further said that his choice to support president Solih was driven by the desire to prevent Maldives from being governed by a regime that would imprison political rivals. Dr. Ameen said that he had chosen self-exile in the United Kingdom during the previous Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM)-led administration due to fears of imprisonment.

Dr. Ameen faced accusations of involvement in the Mayday protest against the then Abdulla Yameen-led government.

Qasim's running mate, much like the JP leader had severely criticized Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and president Solih during the campaigning ahead of the first round of elections. Speaking about this, Dr. Ameen said his criticisms to the ruling party were directed based on the information he previously had.

Ameen said he sought assurance from president Solih for three key things as a condition before he allied with the MDP candidate seeking re-election.

"Tonight, he has provided that assurance which is one of the reasons why I chose to come here. The second thing is eliminating foreign influence, and establishing equitable bilateral ties without leaning towards one side, he has given assurance for that as well," Ameen said.

While speaking about the recent alliance, Dr. Ameen said the JP entourage that allied with MDP was not insignificant.

Ameen also noted that his collaboration with MDP for democratic reform was not new, and added he had been part of the ruling party's cause since 2014.