The ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) has decided to hold its national congress earlier than initially planned after the party’s General Assembly unanimously approved a proposal to move the event forward.
The congress had originally been scheduled for October this year. However, party officials said the dates coincided with the national O-Level examination period, prompting the leadership to seek an earlier timeline.
According to a senior PNC official, the proposal was submitted by party leader and President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and received unanimous backing from members attending the General Assembly meeting held on Saturday night.
While the party has yet to announce the new dates, preparations are expected to begin in the coming weeks as PNC gears up for one of its most significant internal events.
The congress is expected to play a major role in shaping the party’s future direction, including the re-election of steering committees across the country and the filling of key positions stipulated under the party’s constitution.
President Muizzu had previously described the upcoming congress as a crucial opportunity to further strengthen the party’s structure and grassroots network.
Speaking at a PNC rally held in AA. Rasdhoo on April 19 following victories secured by the party in local council elections in AA. Thoddoo, AA. Ukulhas and AA. Rasdhoo, Muizzu urged party members across the Maldives to begin preparing for the congress and to identify capable individuals for leadership positions.
He emphasized the importance of selecting candidates based on merit and the interests of the nation, islands and constituencies, rather than personal considerations.
“The most important task in strengthening the party further is the work leading up to this congress,” Muizzu said at the time, calling on members to actively engage in preparations.
The President also encouraged party members to focus on expanding the party’s membership base while preparing for the congress, describing the event as an opportunity to reinforce the party’s foundations nationwide.
Muizzu further expressed his desire to see the congress conducted in a transparent, fair and democratic manner, stating that it should become the most open and credible party congress held in the Maldives.
The PNC currently holds a dominant position in Maldivian politics following its strong performance in both the presidential and parliamentary elections. The party secured a supermajority in the 20th People’s Majlis, giving it significant influence over the legislative agenda.
Political observers view the upcoming congress as an important event for consolidating the party’s internal structure and preparing its organizational network ahead of future political contests.
With the General Assembly now approving the proposal to advance the congress, attention is expected to turn toward the announcement of new dates and the commencement of internal party elections across the country.
