The ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) has unanimously approved a resolution granting President Dr Mohamed Muizzu the party’s presidential ticket for the 2028 election without a primary.

The resolution was passed by all 1,119 members eligible to vote at the session, with the vote conducted by a show of hands.

The resolution was submitted by PNC representative for South Fuvahmulah Abdulla Ibrahim, who called on the party to formally invite President Muizzu to seek a second term.

It said President Muizzu should be given a second term to continue his administration’s work, citing what the resolution described as achievements during his first term.

Under Article 88(b) of the PNC constitution, a sitting president who is a party member can receive the party’s presidential ticket without a primary when seeking a second term.

PNC Chairperson and Parliament Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla, who presided over this morning's session, said he had not expected the resolution to be submitted during the session and initially gave members three minutes each to speak. He later opened the floor for an hour following the submission of the resolution.

During the debate, PNC Parliamentary Group Leader Ibrahim Falah said the party had won the 2023 presidential election despite being a relatively small party at the time, stating that President Muizzu was the best candidate at the time.

Falah said he was participating in the debate at the request of 73 PNC MPs and said that PNC MPs represented 80 percent of the country.

“We sincerely wish to hand over the PNC ticket to the President of our party, the President of this country, Dr Mohamed Muizzu,” Falah said.

Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef and Heritage Minister Heena Waleed also spoke in support of the resolution.

Following the debate, Abdul Raheem described the resolution as the most important matter addressed at the PNC congress.