President calls for unity within PNC as party congress begins

President Mohamed Muizzu has called on members of the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) to maintain unity and prevent internal divisions as the party holds elections for its senior leadership.

Speaking at the opening of the PNC Congress at the Social Centre in Malé on Tuesday, Muizzu made the remarks as the party prepares to elect members of its council and senior leadership.

Competition is particularly high for the party’s vice-president positions. Eight candidates are contesting for six vice-president posts.

Muizzu said Maldivian politics had seen instances where political objectives and personal interests were placed ahead of responsibility, leading to divisions within the country.

He said he did not want to see such divisions emerge within the PNC.

“We must not allow any opportunity for such things to enter this strong movement and create divisions,” Muizzu said.

“We have a very clear agenda: stability for the country, prosperity and benefit for the country, and security for the country.”

Muizzu said the manifesto he presented during the presidential election and the policies pursued by his administration were centred on achieving stability, development and security.

He said these principles also formed the basis of the PNC’s political philosophy.

“The PNC’s philosophy is to bring stability to the country, bring development to the country and ensure the country’s security. There is nothing more that needs to be said,” he said.

Muizzu said the PNC should not become a party that prioritises the personal interests of individuals.

Instead, he said, the party should prioritise the country, national identity, Islam, Maldivian culture and independence.

He called on delegates to conduct the congress with unity and cooperation.

“I hope this congress will be conducted with strong unity, happiness and a spirit of togetherness,” Muizzu said.