PNC leaders pledge loyalty to party, Muizzu in 2028 election

Newly elected and appointed officials of the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) have taken a pledge to protect party information, follow its policies and work to secure victory for its presidential candidate in the 2028 election.

The pledge was administered on Friday during an afternoon session of the PNC Congress at the Social Centre in Malé, where officials elected to party posts and those appointed to leadership positions formally assumed their roles.

Former Prosecutor General and Maldives Ambassador-designate to Singapore Muhthaz Muhsin administered the pledge.

President Mohamed Muizzu, who is also the PNC president, stood at the centre of the stage as the officials took the pledge.

Under the declaration, the officials pledged to fully abide by the Constitution and laws of the Maldives and to remain committed to maintaining the country’s unity and independence.

They also pledged to comply with the PNC’s governing rules, respect the policies adopted by the party towards building what it describes as a “Maldives for Maldivians”, and follow decisions taken by the party to achieve its objectives.

The declaration also requires officials to carry out their responsibilities without being influenced by any party or personal interests and to act with fairness and integrity in the interests of the party and the country.

“In carrying out the responsibilities and duties assigned to me by the party in my capacity as an office-holder, I will not be influenced by any party, will set aside my personal interests, and will act with fairness and integrity in the interests and benefit of the party and the country,” the declaration states.

The officials also pledged to work for the success of the PNC candidate in the 2028 presidential election without pursuing personal interests.

The declaration states that they will work “with sincerity for the interests and benefit of the party” to secure victory for the PNC’s presidential candidate in 2028.

They further pledged to protect confidential party information obtained through their positions, refrain from actions that could damage the party’s standing and maintain what the declaration describes as exemplary conduct.

PNC MPs are also included in the party’s leadership structure and participated in Friday’s pledge.

The pledge was taken a day after the PNC Congress decided to award its 2028 presidential ticket to Muizzu without holding a primary.

The resolution endorsing Muizzu was passed unanimously at Thursday’s Congress session. Under Article 88(b) of the PNC’s governing rules, an incumbent president who is a party member and seeks a second term can receive the party’s presidential ticket without a primary if the matter is submitted to the Members’ Council, or Senate.

The PNC Congress, which began on September 15, has also elected officials to several positions within the party’s leadership structure.