Jumhoory Party (JP), on Friday night, presented its presidential ticket to the party’s leader and presidential candidate Qasim Ibrahim in a grand ceremony which was followed by the launching of his campaign for the upcoming elections.

The ceremony was held at Alimas Carnival area.

The presidential ticket was handed over Qasim by former Kelaa MP, JP’s Secretary General Ali Arif following a video report with representation from all constituencies.

JP’s campaign slogan and song for the upcoming presidential elections were also unveiled during the ceremony. The slogan is, ‘Haaskandaalaa, Hamajeheyne, Qasim 2023).

Jumhoory Party presents presidential ticket to the party's leader, presidential candidate Qasim Ibrahim on June 9, 2023. (Sun Photo/Mohamed Shaathiu Abdulla)

JP’s council had endorsed Qasim as the party’s presidential candidate with a unanimous vote.

He had confirmed the party’s presidential ticket after running unopposed on March 30.

Qasim had also been the party’s presidential candidate in 2008 and 2013. 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.

However, JP rejected President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s invitation to back his re-election campaign and decided to contest the election independently.

The party has extended an invitation to other political parties for discussions regarding the formation of a coalition. However, JP states they will only form a coalition subject to the term the party leads it.