PNC congress endorses Muizzu for 2028 presidential election without primary

The ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) Congress has endorsed President Dr Mohamed Muizzu for the party’s 2028 presidential ticket without a primary, backing him to seek a second term in office.

A resolution to grant Muizzu the ticket was submitted and passed on Thursday during the PNC Congress at the Social Centre in Malé.

The resolution was presented during a session that began at 10:20am. Muizzu was not present at the session.

PNC Chairperson and Parliament Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla, who presided over the session, said it was an extraordinary session convened at the request of delegates. He then opened the floor for delegates to speak.

The resolution was submitted by Abdulla Rasheed, who was participating as a special delegate representing the Fuvahmulah South constituency.

Under Article 88(b) of the PNC’s constitution, a party member serving as President may receive the party’s presidential ticket without a primary when seeking a second term if the proposal is submitted to and approved by the party’s Members’ Council, or Senate.

In presenting the resolution, Rasheed described Muizzu’s leadership during his first term as “exemplary leadership” and argued that a second term was necessary to continue the administration’s development and stability policies.

“Giving President of the Republic Dr Mohamed Muizzu a second presidential term is a national responsibility for the long-term future, benefit and interests of the Maldivian nation and all its people,” Rasheed said.

He called on the congress to formally request Muizzu, on behalf of the PNC’s membership, to contest for a second term in the 2028 presidential election.

“Therefore, on behalf of all members of the party, I submit this resolution for approval by the PNC Congress to formally request him to contest for a second presidential term in the 2028 presidential election,” he said.

Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef, several Cabinet ministers and members of the PNC leadership spoke in support of the resolution.

The resolution was put to a vote by a show of hands. Abdul Raheem also raised his hand in support of the resolution while presiding over the session.

Abdul Raheem announced that the resolution had been approved unanimously by all 1,119 delegates eligible to vote at the session.

The resolution also listed policies and actions that Rasheed attributed to the Muizzu administration during its term in office.

It credited the administration with taking measures to protect the Maldives’ independence and sovereignty, strengthen the country’s maritime security capabilities and ensure that foreign military personnel were no longer stationed in the country.

The resolution also cited fiscal measures taken by the administration in response to the country’s debt position, as well as policies to expand the tourism industry and modernise the fisheries and agriculture sectors.

It referred to the government’s Maldives 2.0 initiative, the introduction of technology and an international payment gateway, and programmes intended to increase the economic participation of young people and women.

The Ras Malé development and other projects launched across the country to address housing were also among the measures highlighted in the resolution.

Rasheed further credited the administration with measures targeting undocumented expatriates and criminal activity, while saying the government had worked to maintain stability in the country and strengthen the Maldives’ standing internationally.

The endorsement comes as the PNC begins preparations for the 2028 presidential election. Abdul Raheem told the congress this week that the party’s objective was to secure Muizzu a second term and called on members to remain united following the party’s internal elections.