Ex-Transport Minister Aishath Nahula Announces Bid for South Hulhumalé Parliament Seat
Former Transport Minister and Jumhooree Party (JP) Deputy Leader Aishath Nahula announced her candidacy for the South Hulhumalé seat in the upcoming parliamentary elections via social media. Nahula, married to JP Leader Qasim Ibrahim, entered politics in former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's cabinet. During the presidential election first round, she supported her husband against Solih, but JP remained neutral in the runoff. JP is in discussions with the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) and the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) but has not finalized its 2024 election strategy. Nahula is on a five-person JP council. JP holds only two parliamentary seats, and Qasim Ibrahim's presidential campaign received less than 5,500 votes, leading to rumors of party dissolution. Several JP members have defected to larger parties.