PNC membership driven by jobs and influence, not loyalty, says Yameen
Yameen also claimed that many PNC members continue to support him despite his departure from the party.
Former President Abdulla Yameen has claimed that while the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) has built a large membership base through government influence and employment opportunities, only a small proportion of its members are genuinely loyal to President Mohamed Muizzu.
Yameen made the remarks during a rally held at the office of the People's National Front (PNF) on Thursday night.
Responding to statements by government officials regarding the size of the PNC's membership, Yameen argued that the purpose of building a political party is not simply to increase membership numbers, but to secure public support and deliver on promises made to voters.
According to Yameen, the PNC's membership growth has been aided by access to state resources and employment opportunities, but this has not translated into support for President Mohamed Muizzu.
“The question is whether members of that party demonstrated their loyalty to the President in the opinion poll held in April,” Yameen said. “They did not. Therefore, a large membership does not necessarily mean loyalty.”
He added that although the PNC is currently the country's largest political party by membership, the party should also be judged on whether it has fulfilled the expectations of the public.
Yameen pointed to the results of a public opinion poll conducted earlier this year, arguing that the outcome indicated limited support for President Muizzu among PNC members.
“If all of those individuals were truly behind President Muizzu, he would have received a much higher level of support in that poll,” he said.
Yameen also claimed that many PNC members continue to support him despite his departure from the party.
The former president left the PNC and formed the People's National Front following disagreements within the ruling coalition after the 2023 presidential election.
During the rally, Yameen also addressed his decision to cooperate with opposition figures, including former Presidents Mohamed Nasheed and Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
He said the cooperation was not based on agreement over political ideology or policy positions, but on the current political landscape.
According to Yameen, the PNF and the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) are presently the main opposition forces challenging the government.
Yameen said he would continue encouraging voters not to support PNC candidates in future elections, arguing that reducing the ruling party's representation would strengthen parliamentary oversight of the government.
The remarks come as opposition parties continue campaigning in the Hithadhoo North parliamentary by-election, where opposition leaders have increased criticism of the government and the ruling party.
