PNC aims for 100,000 members

Ruling Progressive National Congress (PNC) is targeting an increase in membership to 100,000 as interest in its ongoing drive continues to grow.

Under the guidance of President Mohamed Muizzu, the party had initially set a goal of reaching 75,000 members. PNC leadership addressed the media before the start of an event on Saturday to discuss their progress.

Adam Shareef, a PNC deputy and the Minister of Local Government, reported that public support for the membership drive has exceeded the party’s original target. Shareef noted that grassroots supporters are actively seeking to expand membership to 90,000 and possibly 100,000.

"The president’s intention is to reach approximately 75,000 members, but there is significant grassroots interest in raising that number to 90,000 and 100,000,” Shareef said. "This is our current objective."

Shareef also commented on the increased interest in joining the party, adding that development projects are set to launch next year, which he believes will further boost support for President Muizzu as he seeks a second term.

In response to claims by the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) that government resources are being used to bolster PNC membership, Shareef dismissed these allegations, stating, "We are a lawful, democratic party and do not engage in activities outside established rules."

The PNC was originally formed as a support base for former President Abdulla Yameen, who was then head of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM). Following a court ruling that barred Yameen from contesting the 2023 presidential election due to a jail sentence, the PNC and PPM formed a coalition, leading to a unified senate.

When President Muizzu won the presidential election, the PNC had approximately 3,000 members. Membership efforts have since intensified, and recent figures from the Elections Commission show the PNC has grown to 28,900 members, with the PPM at 34,700 members.

The largest party, according to the electoral roll, remains the opposition MDP, with around 500,000 members.