PNC to open applications for congress positions on Tuesday

The ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) will open applications on Tuesday for positions to be elected at the party's congress next month, with candidates required to submit police and court records as part of the process.

PNC spokesperson Mohamed Firuzul announced the application process at a press conference held at the party office on Sunday night.

Firuzul said applications will remain open until 8 September and will be accepted through a portal established for the congress elections. Details of the portal will be published on the PNC website from Tuesday.

“Every individual contesting for a position must submit their National Identity Card details. In addition, they must submit their police record as well as criminal clearance records obtained from the Maldivian judicial courts,” Firuzul said.

He said the criminal clearance documents must have been issued within the previous month. Candidates with older records will be required to obtain new documents.

Firuzul said members eligible to participate in the congress have already been elected to their respective party positions, and invitations are being sent to them.

The PNC Congress is scheduled to take place from 15 to 18 September.

Elections will be held for the party's leadership positions except for President and Chairperson.

Under the PNC constitution, when the party is in government, the President of the Republic also serves as President of the party. President Mohamed Muizzu therefore holds the position without an election at the congress.

The party's constitution also provides for the Chairperson to be appointed by the President of the Republic when the PNC is in government. As a result, the Chairperson position will also not be contested at the congress.

Six Vice Presidents will be elected during the congress. Eight people have so far announced their intention to contest for the positions.