Ruling party People’s National Congress (PNC) said its membership has reached 70,000 ahead of its congress next month.

PNC spokesperson Mohamed Firzul Abdulla Khaleel told Mihaaru News today that the party has begun efforts to increase its membership ahead of the congress.

“More than 70,000 people have now registered with the PNC,” Firzul said.

With that, the party is currently the largest political party in Maldives.

The latest data from the Elections Commission (EC) shows that the PNC had 67,579 registered members as of June.

Applications to join political parties must now be submitted through the commission’s MyPortal system. Applications submitted through e-Faas are sent directly to the EC, after which the party only needs to approve the membership.

The commission will update the parties’ membership figures following its verification process.

Firzul said the problems encountered during previous membership drives would not be repeated because applications are now submitted through e-Faas.

The PNC congress is scheduled to be held from 15 to 18 September.