Former Finance Minister and leading businessman Gasim Ibrahim has announced he will be contesting in the upcoming presidential election. Gasim made the announcement speaking at a news conference held at news room Fansavees yesterday morning after he was elected by the new Jumhoory Party (JP) as its presidential candidate. Gasim said he will serve the people and country to the best of his ability and to the best interest of the nation. He said he has proven his ability when he was chairman of the Maldives Chambers of Commerce and in discharging the responsibilities as the Governor of Maldives Monetary Authority, MMA, and Minister of Finance and Treasury.
Gasim was challenged by fellow member and MP for Raa atoll Shaheed Zaki for JUmhoory Party’s presidential nomination. Gasim was elected as the JP’s presidential candidate by a secret ballot taken by the party’s organizing committee. Briefing the media Mohamed Ibrahim Didi (Modi) MP for Fuvahmulah, who was in charge of the supervision of the secret ballot, by the Organizing Committee, said both candidates fully responded to questions put forward by Organizing Committee members and had revealed their key policies before the vote was taken.
Introducing the new conference JP’s interim leader Shaheed Zaki, who also contested the party’s presidential nomination, said that he fully believed Gasim was a capable and charismatic leader most suited to charge of the leadership of the country.
“Gasim Ibrahim or Buruma Gasim is well known to the people, he is well respected and has the support and love of the people, a person who gives great respect to serve the nation and people, a generous person who continues to provide assistance and support to the people, a person who has won the hearts of many” said Shaeed Zaki calling on members to support and stand firmly behind Gasim.
JP yesterday at the news conference said that Gasim was elected presidential candidate by a clear majority of the Organizing Committee.10 out of 11 members voted in favor of electing Gasim. ADK Nashid , a leading member who played an instrumental role in the founding of the party said even though Gasim is elected presidential candidate , Gasim’s nominations still needs to be endorsed by the Party’s Congress scheduled for the 22 of this month.
Responding to the criticism of the many benefits and advantages Gasim's businesses have received during his tenure as Finance Minister and MMA Governor, Gasim dismissed such allegations. He said he will be leaving his businesses to contest for the election and he will be true to the Constitution. Jumhoory Party's senior members ADK Nashid and Dr. Hussain Rasheed Hassan said the Constitution clearly stipulates qualifications of the President, Vice President and Ministers and none of them can engage in a business when they hold these positions, They said the Constitution provides strong mechanisms for checks and balances and there is the requirement of declaring the assets of Ministers and even members of the Majlis.
Responding to questions of the media, whether he considered himself to capable to represent the country as its leader at various International forums, Gasim said he has full confidence of assuming full leadership of the country better than other candidates who are vying for the presidency. Gasim said he will represent the country at any forum better than the other candidates and that he is very sure of himself.
“If the citizens of this country gives me that opportunity I will definitely assume that responsibility to the best of my abilities, I have proven that, I have served as President of SAARC Chamber of Commerce for 2 years, I still have the letters sent by SAARC Chamber requesting me to stay on for additional 2 years, they also said that during the 2 years of my presidency I have done nearly 4 years of work” Gasim said to prove his capabilities.
Gasim in proving his abilities further said that he has served as finance minister, Governor designated by World Bank and IMF to Maldives. He said during his 2 year tenure as Governor of World Bank to Maldives, the reserve of the country increased to unprecedented figures.
Gasim was Finance Minister for almost three years from Agust 2005 after the charge on him for high treason which carried life imprisonment was dropped by President Gayoom in December 2004 during a time the country was devastated by the Indian Ocean tsunami. Gasim was a leading critic and opponent of the Government before he joined the Government, having associated very closely in the democratic reform movement which has been active in the recent years. He was among the reformists who proposed separation of powers and two terms for the president during the national conference for declaring the goals for 2020, and he was among the 40 reformists who signed the application in 2001 to form a political party in the country. Gasim was key figure in the mass demonstration of August 2004 and he was charged for high treason for his part in the demonstration which the Government said was an unconstitutional attempt to overthrow the Government. He was also among the 20 members of the Special Majlis assembled for revising the Constitution who walked out protesting the Speaker of the Majlis when he attempted to elect the Speaker of the Special Majlis in an open vote. Gasim was vying for the post of Speaker with the support of the opposition. He was later elected to that post with the support of both Government loyal DRP members and opposition after becoming Finance Minister.
Gasim's popularity has declined after he became Finance Minister especially after the mega budgets and projects he submitted for 2007 and 2008. The huge deficit budgets during a global financial crisis coupled with soaring oil prices and food scarcity resulted in high inflation and economic hardships in the country. The mega projects proposed for raising substantial finance faced difficulties. Gasim, Economic Development Minister Jaleel and Tourism Minister Dr. Shaguee resigned last month in the wake of these developments. Gasim also resigned from President Gayoom's party DRP of which Gasim was second Deputy Leader. He was often tipped to become President Gayoom's running mate in the presidential election and the President's eventual successor. But there was growing suspicion about Gasim's allegiance to the President as he was always very close and supportive of the opposition parties, and there were lot or rumors through out Gasim will eventually leave the Government to contest for the presidency.
There has been lot of speculation Gasim was building his political future for a long time with his generous philanthropic services and community support. But there are also growing concern about the expansion of his businesses. Analysts say there are some doubts about Gasim's eligibility because of his huge business commitments. It is obvious Gasim will face strong criticism and opposition during his campaign for presidency.
President Gayoom who has served six terms as President is DRP's presidential candidate while Mohamed Nasheed, Anni will contest from main opposition party MDP. Former Attorney General Dr. Hassan Saeed, Presidents of Social Liberal Party Male' member and former MDP President Ibrahim Ismail, Ibra and President of IDP Umar Naseer are also contesting. Their formal candidature will be announced once the new independent Election Commission is formed and Law on Presidential Election and other procedures for the election are adopted.
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