PNC membership hikes to 68,000; MDP drops to 43,000
The PNC’s membership increased by approximately 39,000 in six months, from around 28,000 in July last year.
Elections Commission (EC) on Thursday released updated party membership figures, showing significant changes in the membership numbers of political parties in the Maldives, with the ruling Progressive National Congress (PNC) seen its membership grow to 68,968 while the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) membership decreased to 43,700.
The data, which reflects membership forms processed by the EC up to the end of last year, highlights the largest increase in the PNC’s membership. Over the past six months, the party launched an extensive campaign to reach 75,000 members as part of its one-year anniversary celebration of the current government.
Key details regarding PNC’s growth include:
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The PNC’s membership increased by approximately 39,000 in six months, from around 28,000 in July last year.
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With this surge, the PNC now holds the highest recorded membership for any party in the country’s history.
In contrast, the MDP’s membership has dropped from over 50,000 to 43,700, a decrease of about 7,000 members. The party has alleged that 3,000 of its members were unlawfully transferred to the PNC, a claim the PNC has not commented on.
Other parties have also reported membership changes:
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The Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), which had operated as part of a coalition with PNC but is being dissolved, has seen its membership drop from 34,000 to 12,000.
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The People’s National Front (PNF), established by former President Abdulla Yameen after quitting PPM, now has 2,822 members.
Membership figures for other parties:
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Jumhooree Party (JP): 13,826 (previously 17,300)
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Maldives Development Alliance (MDA): 9,210 (previously 8,200)
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Adhaalath Party: 9,049 (previously 8,500)
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Maldives National Party (MNP): 6,050 (previously 7,519)
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The Democrats: 3,667 (previously 4,300)
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Maldives Third-Way Democrats (MTD): 2,359 (previously 3,100)
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Maldives Reform Movement (MRM): 1,867 (previously 2,200)
