People's National Congress (PNC) chairperson Abdul Raheem Abdulla is confident the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and PNC coalition will secure more than 70 seats in the upcoming parliamentary election.
Abdul Raheem, who is also the Director General of Transition, said during an interview with Mihaaru News, that the coalition is expected to secure 70 out of the 93 seats in the upcoming election.
"We believe in that possibility," the former Fonadhoo MP, and the closest aide of President-elect Dr. Mohamed Muizzu said.
While the coalition is geared up to secure super majority of the parliament in the next parliament term, the parties earlier decided on contending for the seats as one entity.
The coalition is expected to hold its primary on January 20, 2024, to elect the candidates who will be contending for the seats. Participation for the primary has been opened until December 20, 2023.
Abdul Raheem added that the coalition decided to run for the parliamentary election as one entity with the endorsement of the coalition's founder and former President Abdulla Yameen. He said the press statement confirming the coalition's decision was announced after discussions between PPM/PNC leadership and Yameen.
"We decided for the parties to contend as one, and elect its candidates through the primary, which was agreed by President Yameen as well. Both presidents [Yameen and Dr. Muizzu] concurred on this," Abdul Raheem said.
The coalition has already launched its campaign efforts for the parliamentary election.
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