People's National Congress (PNC) has decided to open applications on the first of next month for candidates wishing to contest for internal party positions during the PNC Congress scheduled for mid-next month.

Speaking at a press conference held tonight by PNC, party spokesperson Mohamed Firuzul Abdulla Khaleel stated that applications for these positions will remain open from the 1st of next month until the 8th.

The party's congress will take place from the 15th to the 18th of next month.

Firuzul said that during the congress, officials will be elected to key positions on the governing council, as mandated under the party's constitution.

Among these, six individuals will be elected as vice presidents of the party, while members will also be elected to the party's council. A total of 18 members will be chosen for the council. Additionally, seven youth members and ten members for designated women's seats will be elected to the council.

Firuzul noted that members will also be elected by vote during the congress for four positions within the party's women's wing. These include electing a president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer for the women's wing. Similarly, four young individuals will also be elected to the youth wing.

With the opportunity to apply for these positions set to open on the first of next month, Firuzul stated that applications will be accepted through a digital portal.

Firuzul mentioned that a dedicated call center will be established when applications open. He said that through this call center, which will feature specific numbers assigned to various sectors, individuals can clarify information and obtain necessary assistance.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has previously stated that the internal election PNC is preparing to hold next month will be an exemplary event and the most successful congress held in the Maldives to date.

As the campaign for the PNC election is currently underway, one of the most competitive positions is for the party's vice presidency.

Those who have announced their candidacy for the PNC vice presidency at the congress include Minister of Economic Development Mohamed Saeed, Minister of Fisheries Ahmed Shiyam, Minister of Sports Abdulla Rafiu, Baarah MP Ibrahim Shujaau, President's Office Spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef (Mundhu), Central Maafannu MP Asma Rasheed, Nilandhoo MP Fathimath Sauda, as well as the CEO of the Local Government Authority (LGA), Mohamed Nimal.

According to the PNC constitution, six individuals must be elected as vice presidents. In addition to these six, if the PNC is in power, the Vice President of the country at that time automatically becomes a vice president of the party. Furthermore, the leader of the PNC Parliamentary Group automatically assumes a seat as a vice president of the party as well.