Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed and Baarashu MP Ibrahim Mohamed Shujau are to contest for the post of Vice President of ruling People's National Congress (PNC).

PNC's congress planned for later this year will see persons elected to senior positions of the party. The senior council of the party will elect the party's President and Vice President. 

At present, PNC has six Vice Presidents, including Saeed and Shujau. 

Contesting for a new term, Saeed announced that his candidacy comes with absolute trust and endorsement from President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. He stated that he is running for the post with the confidence, experience and courage of someone who has contributed to the party's significant successes through being a member of it's leadership since its inception. 

"My aim is to further advance the Congress party through the President's wise and strong leadership, to maintain it's successes, and to ensure the Congress Party remains the strongest political party in the Maldives," Saeed said. 

Shujau, meanwhile, stated that he should remain in the post as the PNC's leadership would be incomplete without him. 

"... because [I] had the courage to come out against MDP when this party was in the opposition. Even when this vessel was sailing in rough seas, I remained tireless and committed. Because I remained strong with the party sincerely without any complaints or obstinacy. Because [I] have always raise the party's interest above any desire for the position," Shujau said. 

PNC, currently the party with the highest member count, has not officially announced the positions that will be up for election, nor have they yet announced a date for these internal elections. 

The party recently held elections for steering committees and constituencies. Voting was held for this in 131 constituencies for over 2,500 posts.