"I am a registered member of the Republican Party. If the council chooses me [as a presidential candidate], I will not decline the opportunity to bring these changes,” Gasim told state broadcaster Television Maldives.
“If that's what people want me to do, I will do it," he added.
Gasim resigned from his cabinet position last month after facing criticism over a state budget deficit of Rf 4.4 billion (US $342 million).
After attending the government’s Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) congress, he then resigned from the party on July 13 saying it was “not logical” for him to stay on after quitting as a minister.
The fledgling Republican Party, headed by MP Ahmed “ADK” Nashid, has hinted in previously months it may bring Gasim on board as a presidential candidate. The party already has six MPs and prominent businessmen as members.
Often described as “the richest man in the Maldives” through his Villa company and associated businesses, Gasim is believed to have financial links with opposition figures, and supported the MDP until 2005.
He was then jailed for treason due to his political opposition, but was later released and joined the government as Finance Minister.
But Information Minister Mohamed Nasheed says Gasim is ineligible for the presidency, due to a regulation in the new constitution which forbids ministers from maintaining an “active involvement” in business.
The new clause in the constitution, ratified on Thursday morning by President Gayoom, led to four pre-emptive cabinet resignations on Wednesday.
Nasheed told Minivan News: “At this moment in time [Gasim] cannot [be Presidnet] unless he transfers all his assets to a blind trust.”
“He has time, about two months, perhaps he will have time to discharge his debts…but I don't know if he could do it [in time]," Nasheed added.
But Gasim appears confident of future involvement in the country’s political scene, telling TVM: “The new constitution means there are many more things that need to be done. I will be involved in this process."
Courtesy: Olivia Lang and Shauna Aminath, Minivan News
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