President: We must not allow attempts at creating strife to enter PNC

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu expressed concern on Tuesday over what he described as “irresponsible attempts to create strife” within the country, adding that the People’s National Congress (PNC) must not allow for this to enter the ruling party.

Addressing the opening of the ruling party’s congress on Tuesday morning, President Muizzu, the leader of the PNC, expressed confidence that all congress members will prioritize national interests first and party interests second, and demonstrate exemplary behavior in fulfilling the party’s role in the country’s politics.

President Muizzu noted that the PNC was now the country’s largest party. He said that the party now has some 80,000 members.

He described the PNC as a responsible political party that puts national interests above all.

The PNC will always prioritize the country, its national identity, religion and culture, he added.

He appealed for members to maintain a spirit of solidarity and ensure a smooth congress.

President Muizzu also said that PNC members must always have a close eye on what’s happening in the larger political arena.

“We are seeing highly irresponsible and reckless attempts in this country, irresponsible acts to create strife within the country. We must not allow any of this to enter our close-knit army,” he said.

The PNC congress, being held until Friday, is being attended by over 1,000 party representatives.

The congress will see the party make several key decisions, including electing vice presidents.

Those contending for vice president positions include incumbents, Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam, Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed, Local Government Authority (LGA) CEO Ahmed Nimal, and Baarah MP Ibrahim Shujau, along with chief government spokesperson Hussain Shareef (Mundhu), Central Maafannu MP Asma Rasheed, Nilandhoo MP Fathimath Saudha, and Sports Minister Abdulla Rafiu.

The PNC is currently ranked the country’s largest political party, with 67,579 members, as per the latest information released by the Elections Commission (EC).