Falah: Muizzu can win 2028 election in first round if PNC remains united

People’s National Congress (PNC) Parliamentary Group Leader Ibrahim Falah has said President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu can secure victory in the first round of the 2028 presidential election if the ruling party remains united and works together.

Falah made the remarks at a ceremony held to conclude the PNC Congress, following the party’s decision to formally grant President Muizzu the PNC presidential ticket for the 2028 election.

Falah said the party had now developed into a comprehensive political organisation, with its various bodies comprising individuals who are committed to the country and possess the skills and capabilities required to carry out the party’s work.

He said there was a consensus among the party’s leadership and thousands of members that President Muizzu should represent the PNC in the next presidential election. According to Falah, the public also recognises the President’s efforts to fulfil the pledges made during the 2023 presidential campaign.

Falah said he was confident that the President could win the election in a single round if PNC members remained united and worked collectively.

The Maldives currently elects its President through a two-round system if no candidate secures more than 50 percent of valid votes in the first round. The 2023 presidential election went to a second round, in which Muizzu defeated then-President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

The issue of changing the presidential election system has also previously been raised by the Muizzu administration. A government-backed proposal considered changes including replacing the existing two-round system with a single-round system and introducing preferential voting.

Falah also defended the decision to nominate Muizzu for a second term, describing him as a leader focused on delivering tangible results rather than merely making statements. He said there were numerous reasons for the President to receive the party’s 2028 ticket.

He further said President Muizzu regularly advises PNC members not to mistreat members of the public and not to engage in actions that could harm the country.

Addressing political opponents, Falah said attempts to weaken the PNC’s internal unity or dismantle the party would not succeed.

The PNC’s decision to nominate Muizzu for a second term comes as the party prepares for the 2028 presidential election. Under the current electoral framework, the presidential election is scheduled for 2028.