News Desk
MALE’, Maldives — The ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) has announced that it will field candidates in 97 percent of constituencies in its primary to determine nominees for next year’s local council elections, marking one of the broadest candidate slates in recent political history.
Ibrahim Falah, the party’s campaign manager and parliamentary group leader, told reporters Wednesday that the scale of participation was unprecedented since the introduction of local council elections in 2008. “A very large number of candidates have applied,” Falah said. “In past years, some parties contested up to 80 percent of constituencies, but never beyond 90. This time, the PNC will reach 97 percent.”
The party opened nominations from December 1 to 15, expecting to extend the deadline in some constituencies. Instead, Falah said, the response was so strong that the window closed after two weeks.
Falah noted that in past elections it was customary to extend the nomination period due to a lack of candidates, but this time the PNC was able to close on schedule. He cited the strong turnout as evidence of the party’s growing popularity among the public.
The primary is scheduled for December 27, with voting to take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the same day.
Falah said the primary process would be conducted transparently. He noted that complaints could be submitted through Viber and WhatsApp, and that any concerns regarding candidates would be reviewed through those channels. Falah said they are now vetting candidates to ensure they meet eligibility requirements and will announce the final list once the process is complete.
The PNC has reported rapid growth in membership, reaching 70,000 and projecting that the figure will surpass 75,000 with the local elections. Founded in 2019, and now the country’s largest political party under President Dr. Mohammed Muizzu, the PNC’s expansion underscores its consolidation of support ahead of the polls.
