Former President Mohamed Nasheed put political differences aside on Monday night to attend the opening of the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) Congress, sharing a cordial moment with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu despite standing on the opposite side of the country’s political divide.
Nasheed attended the ceremony after accepting an invitation from the ruling party, becoming the only opposition political leader to be present at the opening session held at the Social Centre in Malé.
Upon his arrival, Nasheed was personally welcomed by Muizzu, who serves as both President of the Maldives and President of the PNC. The two leaders shook hands and exchanged greetings before the programme continued.
The interaction provided a notable moment on the opening night of the Congress, bringing together two figures who have frequently found themselves on opposing sides of Maldivian politics.
Nasheed’s decision to accept the ruling party’s invitation offered a rare display of political cordiality at a time when relations between the government and opposition remain highly competitive.
Political parties in the Maldives traditionally invite leaders and representatives of other parties to attend the ceremonial opening of major congresses, and PNC extended invitations to political leaders for Monday night’s programme.
Nasheed was, however, the only opposition political leader to attend.
The former president remains one of the most influential figures in modern Maldivian politics and has continued to play a role in opposition politics following his presidency.
His appearance at the PNC gathering comes as Muizzu has repeatedly called for cooperation on matters of national interest while his administration pushes ahead with its economic, infrastructure and development agenda.
The government has argued that several of the difficult policy decisions taken during Muizzu’s presidency are necessary to strengthen the economy and place the country on a more sustainable path, while opposition parties have continued to scrutinise and criticise aspects of the administration’s policies.
Against that political backdrop, the sight of Nasheed and Muizzu exchanging greetings at the ruling party’s biggest gathering offered a different image from the confrontational exchanges that often dominate Maldivian politics.
PNC officially began its Congress on Tuesday with more than 1,300 delegates from across the country gathering in Malé for the four-day event.
The Congress, which runs until September 18, will include elections for several senior positions within the ruling party, including six vice president posts and seats on its Council of Members.
PNC has described the gathering as the most comprehensive congress organised by a political party in the Maldives to date.
The party has undergone significant expansion under Muizzu, who led a nationwide membership drive ahead of the Congress. PNC says its membership has now reached more than 78,000, making it the country’s largest political party based on the party’s latest figures.
