MP Asma becomes sixth candidate for PNC vice president

Central Maafannu MP Asma Rasheed has announced her candidacy for the Vice President post of the ruling People's National Congress (PNC), becoming the sixth candidate to contest the six positions available at the party's congress next month.

Five other party members announced their candidacies on Saturday. They are Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed, Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts Abdulla Rafiu, Baarah MP Ibrahim Shujau, President's Office Chief Spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef and Nilandhoo MP Fathimath Saudha.

Mohamed Hussain Shareef is Asma Rasheed's son.

Asma announced her candidacy in a message shared with the WhatsApp group of the PNC Parliamentary Group.

"I announce my intention to contest for the post of Party Vice President, to be elected by the Party Senate during the upcoming congress, and respectfully seek the support of all beloved members of the Party Senate," she said.

Among the party's current Vice Presidents, Mohamed Saeed, Ibrahim Shujau and Mohamed Hussain Shareef have confirmed that they are seeking another term.

The remaining Vice Presidents are Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam, Local Government Authority Chief Executive Officer Mohamed Nimal and Minister of Defence Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon. None has announced whether they will seek re-election.

The PNC Senate will elect the party's Vice Presidents during the congress.

Under the party's constitution, the serving President of the Maldives automatically becomes the PNC President while the party is in government. The party's Chairperson is appointed by the President, meaning neither position will be contested at the congress.