The People’s National Congress (PNC) has endorsed President Dr Mohamed Muizzu as the party’s candidate for the 2028 presidential election, clearing the way for him to receive the party ticket without contesting a presidential primary.
A resolution proposing that President Muizzu be awarded the PNC presidential ticket was approved at the party’s Congress held on Thursday morning.
The resolution was submitted by PNC member Abdulla Ibrahim and was debated among members before being put to a vote.
The session, chaired by Parliament Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla, approved the proposal unanimously among the 1,119 members present, according to The Press.
The resolution cited Article 88 of the PNC’s constitution, which provides that a sitting president who is a member of the party and intends to seek a second term may receive the party’s presidential ticket without going through a primary.
President Muizzu, who assumed office in November 2023, is expected to seek a second five-year term in the presidential election scheduled for 2028.
The resolution also highlighted what the party described as achievements of the Muizzu administration since taking office.
Among them, it cited the government’s policies relating to national independence and sovereignty, efforts to strengthen the Maldives’ ability to monitor its maritime territory using modern technology, and the withdrawal of foreign military personnel from Maldivian territory.
The resolution further praised the administration’s economic policies and its efforts to advance President Muizzu’s vision of building what he has described as a “Dhiveheenge Raajje” — a Maldives shaped around the interests and aspirations of Maldivians.
Thursday’s decision effectively gives President Muizzu the PNC nomination for the 2028 presidential election without an internal contest, in accordance with the provision cited in the party’s constitution.
