The People’s National Congress (PNC) on Wednesday unanimously voted to award its 2028 presidential ticket to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, clearing the way for the incumbent to seek a second term as the ruling party’s candidate.

The decision was made through a resolution submitted by Abdulla Ibrahim, a special delegate representing the Fuvahmulah South constituency, during the party’s ongoing congress. The resolution passed with the unanimous support of all 1,119 delegates who participated in the show-of-hands vote.

The resolution stated that President Muizzu’s national service has been widely embraced by the Maldivian public, and that granting him a second term is essential to ensuring the continuity of his work. It further noted that under the PNC’s constitution, a sitting president from the party who wishes to contest a second term is entitled to receive the ticket without going through a primary election.

Parliament Speaker and PNC Chairperson Abdul Raheem Abdulla, who presided over the morning session, said he had not been informed in advance that such a resolution would be tabled. Nevertheless, he opened the floor for one hour of debate following its submission. Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef, Heritage Minister Heena Waleed and several other senior government officials spoke in support during the debate.

PNC Parliamentary Group Leader Ibrahim Falah told delegates he was speaking on behalf of the party’s 73 members of parliament, who he said represent roughly 80 percent of the country’s population. He said constituents across those districts want to see President Muizzu return for a second term.

Falah added that when the PNC was still a small party, voters who backed Muizzu in the last presidential election are today celebrating their choice, having seen him prove to be the strongest candidate.

“With all our hearts, we wish to award the 2028 PNC ticket to the leader of our party, the President of this country, Dr. Mohamed Muizzu,” Falah said.