PNC formally awards 2028 presidential ticket to President Muizzu

The ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) has formally awarded its presidential ticket for the 2028 election to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, clearing the way for him to seek a second term without facing a party primary.

The ticket was presented to President Muizzu by PNC Chairperson and Parliament Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla during the closing ceremony of the PNC Congress on Friday night at the Social Centre in Malé.

The decision follows a resolution passed unanimously at the PNC Congress on Thursday calling for President Muizzu to be given the party’s 2028 presidential ticket without an internal primary. The resolution was submitted by PNC general member Abdulla Ibrahim and received the support of all 1,119 members who participated in the vote.

The resolution cited what the party described as President Muizzu’s achievements since assuming office in November 2023, including efforts relating to national sovereignty and security, economic reforms and debt management, economic diversification, housing development, fisheries and agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure and the digital economy. It also highlighted the administration’s policies on Islamic values and its international position on Palestine.

The resolution referred to Article 88 of the PNC’s basic rules, which provides a mechanism for an incumbent President who is a member of the party and wishes to seek a second term to receive the party’s presidential ticket without contesting a primary, subject to the party’s approval.

Speaking during the discussion on the resolution, Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef backed President Muizzu’s bid for a second term, citing the President’s efforts in maintaining national independence, security and development. He also highlighted the administration’s efforts to uphold Islam and the country’s Islamic identity.

Speaker Abdul Raheem, who also chairs the PNC, described securing the President’s second-term candidacy as a major priority for the party and said the country’s future should continue along the development path set by the administration.

President Muizzu assumed office on November 17, 2023, after defeating then-Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) candidate Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in the second round of the presidential election. The 2028 presidential election will be the first election in which Muizzu seeks a second term as President.

The formal awarding of the ticket makes Muizzu the PNC’s candidate for the 2028 presidential election. Party members have pledged to work towards securing his re-election.