Shiyam becomes seventh candidate for PNC vice president
Under the PNC constitution, six Vice Presidents are elected at the party congress.
Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam has announced that he will contest for one of the six Vice President positions at the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) congress next month.
Shiyam confirmed his candidacy to Dhauru on Sunday, becoming the seventh candidate to enter the race.
Six other candidates had announced their bids on Saturday. They are:
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Asma Rasheed, MP for Maafannu Central
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Mohamed Hussain Shareef (Mundhu), Chief Spokesperson at the President's Office
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Ibrahim Shujau, MP for Baarah
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Abdulla Rafiu, Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts
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Mohamed Saeed, Minister of Economic Development and Trade
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Fathimath Saudha, MP for Nilandhoo
Shiyam currently serves as one of the PNC's Vice Presidents and is seeking re-election. He previously represented the Naifaru constituency in the 19th and 20th People's Majlis.
Support for his candidacy has also begun to appear on social media.
Under the PNC constitution, six Vice Presidents are elected at the party congress. With seven candidates now declaring their intention to contest, a vote will be required to determine the successful candidates.
Among the current Vice Presidents, Shiyam joins Mohamed Saeed, Ibrahim Shujau and Mohamed Hussain Shareef in seeking another term.
The party's other current Vice Presidents are Local Government Authority Chief Executive Officer Mohamed Nimal and Minister of Defence Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon. Neither has announced whether they will seek re-election.
The congress will elect members to the party's senior leadership positions, with the exception of the President and Chairperson.
Under the PNC constitution, the serving President of the Republic automatically serves as the party's President while the PNC is in government. The party's Chairperson is appointed by the President, meaning neither position will be contested at the upcoming congress.
