Abdul Raheem: PNC Senate committed to shaping Maldives’ future

People’s National Congress (PNC) Chairperson and Parliament Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla has said the party’s Senate is committed to shaping what he described as a brighter future for the Maldives, while calling on party members to work together to secure a second term for President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the PNC Congress on Friday night, Abdul Raheem described the conclusion of the congress as a strong foundation for the party’s preparations for the 2028 presidential election.

He said the PNC leadership comprises individuals with a nationalistic outlook who are committed to protecting the country’s independence and creating a safe and prosperous environment for Maldivians. He added that the party’s leadership was united in its commitment to implementing President Muizzu’s policies.

Abdul Raheem also highlighted the government’s management of the country’s debt, saying the opposition had previously predicted that the Maldives would face bankruptcy within months of the administration taking office.

He pointed to the government’s debt repayments as evidence of what he described as successful economic management under President Muizzu. The government has made several major external debt payments this year, including a USD 524 million sukuk repayment and a USD 400 million currency swap repayment in April. The government subsequently settled the final USD 50 million installment of a USD 150 million State Bank of India facility on September 17.

The USD 150 million facility was originally issued through three USD 50 million Treasury Bills in 2019. The government had previously settled two of the installments, with the final USD 50 million payment completing repayment of the facility.

Abdul Raheem said these repayments demonstrated President Muizzu’s ability to manage the country’s finances and deliver tangible results.

He also stressed the importance of political leaders remaining accessible to the public, saying leaders should maintain close contact with citizens and understand their concerns. He cited President Muizzu’s engagement with the public as an example of the approach he believes should be followed.

The PNC Chairperson subsequently called on all branches and members of the party to work in unity towards securing President Muizzu’s second term.

The remarks came shortly after the PNC formally awarded Muizzu its presidential ticket for the 2028 election. The decision was made through a resolution passed unanimously by 1,119 congress members, allowing Muizzu to receive the party’s nomination without a primary election. The ticket was formally presented to him by Abdul Raheem at the congress closing ceremony.

Muizzu became President in November 2023 after defeating then-President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in the second round of the 2023 presidential election. Under the current electoral system, a candidate must secure more than half of the valid votes to win in the first round; otherwise, the top two candidates proceed to a runoff. The PNC is now preparing for the 2028 election with Muizzu as its officially designated candidate.