Speaker of Parliament and Chairperson of ruling People's National Congress (PNC) Abdul Raheem Abdulla has urged candidates running for the party's internal leadership positions to ensure that their ultimate goal to work towards re-electing President Dr Mohamed Muizzu for a second term remains unaffected regardless of the results of the internal election.
Speaking at the ongoing PNC congress, Abdul Raheem said that he empathizes that losing the internal elections will cause some level of dejection. This, he said, is human nature, but the way of the wise is to consider failure as the first step on the path to success.
The PNC congress is seeing 120 candidates contesting for 42 positions in the party's senate. This includes six Vice President posts, 10 seats reserved for women, seven seats reserved for youth, and 18 seats for general members.
Abdul Raheem encouraged losing candidates to also maintain unwavering commitment to working towards securing a second term for President Muizzu.
He called on party members to prioritize the nation, and to not lose sight of the ultimate goal even in the midst of personal defeat.
"In our journey to this goal, we must not lose sight of our destination. We must be a people that remain courageous, amiable and united in the face of both success and defeat," Abdul Raheem said.
"The reality that we must accept is that there is no joy, no success, for any of us until we complete this journey we have begun. This journey will end once we secure a win for President Muizzu in 2028 presidential elections. If we do not succeed at this, we will each of us face dejection and sorrow," PNC's Chairperson continued.
Remaining dedicated companions of President Muizzu as he works towards the nation's peace and stability will ensure a bright future, he assured the congress attendees.
As per the PNC's regulations, the party will have eight Vice Presidents. Two of these seats are reserved for the serving Vice President in a PNC administration and the Parliamentary Group Leader.
Eight candidates ran for the VP positions in today's congress, with Central Maafannu MP Asma Rasheed and LGA CEO Mohamed Nimal failing to secure seats.
The eight VP positions are now filled by Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef, PNC PG Leader Ibrahim Falah, Sports Minister Abdulla Rafiu, Chief Government Spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef (Mundhu), Nilandhoo MP Fathimath Saudha, Baarah MP Ibrahim Shujau, Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam, and Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed.
