PNC formally awards 2028 presidential ticket to President Muizzu

The ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) has formally awarded President Mohamed Muizzu its presidential ticket to seek a second term in the 2028 election without holding a primary.

The ticket was presented to Muizzu on Friday night during the closing session of the PNC Congress at the Social Centre in Malé.

PNC Chairperson and Parliament Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla presented the ticket to the President.

The presentation followed a decision by the PNC Congress on Thursday to award Muizzu the party’s 2028 presidential ticket without a primary.

A resolution proposing the move was passed unanimously by all 1,119 delegates eligible to vote at the session.

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

The decision clears the way for Muizzu, who took office in November 2023, to contest the 2028 presidential election as the PNC candidate.

The party also assigned officials to a range of leadership positions during the congress.

Those taking up PNC posts pledged on Friday to protect confidential party information and work to secure victory for the party’s candidate in the 2028 presidential election without pursuing personal interests.

The pledge was taken during a session of the congress attended by Muizzu.