President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has formally received the People’s National Congress (PNC) presidential ticket to contest the 2028 presidential election, confirming him as the ruling party’s candidate for a second term.
PNC Chairperson and Speaker of the People’s Majlis Abdul Raheem Abdulla presented the ticket to President Muizzu during a ceremony marking the conclusion of the party’s Senate meeting.
The formal presentation follows the PNC Senate’s unanimous decision on Thursday to award President Muizzu the 2028 ticket without holding a presidential primary. All 1,119 members present voted in favour of the resolution.
The resolution was submitted by a general member of the PNC and cited Article 88(b) of the party’s charter, which provides for a sitting president seeking a second term to receive the party ticket without a primary, subject to approval by the relevant party body.
In making the case for President Muizzu’s candidacy, the resolution highlighted what the PNC described as achievements of his administration since taking office in November 2023. These included measures concerning national sovereignty, maritime surveillance, economic reform, debt management, housing projects including Ras Malé, Digital Maldives 2.0 and the expansion of international payment systems.
Vice President Uz Hussain Mohamed Latheef backed the resolution during the Senate debate, saying the administration was working to strengthen national stability, development and security. He also highlighted President Muizzu’s policies concerning the protection of the Maldives’ Islamic identity and national independence.
Abdul Raheem also supported the resolution, describing the decision as a major responsibility of the party’s leadership and arguing that continuing President Muizzu’s policy direction would serve the country’s interests.
The PNC has now formally settled its presidential candidacy well ahead of the 2028 election. President Muizzu, who assumed office on 17 November 2023, is constitutionally eligible to seek a second five-year term.
Party leaders and Senate members have pledged to work towards President Muizzu’s re-election as the PNC begins preparations for the 2028 presidential race.
