Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, the Mayor of Male' City, has emerged as the recipient of the People's National Congress (PNC) presidential ticket.
Following a decision to contest the September presidential election, the PNC Senate convened on Wednesday afternoon to deliberate and finalize the party's presidential candidate. While Dr. Muizzu and Maduvvaree MP Adam Shareef were the only two to express interest in the presidential ticket, the Senate elected Muizzu to receive the PNC presidential ticket, securing 25 votes from among the 48 members. MP Adam Shareef received 23 votes.
Speaking to reporters after the vote, Dr. Muizzu conveyed his optimism for the prospect of the main opposition leader, former president Abdulla Yameen, contesting the election. Yameen, who had been initially granted the PPM-PNC presidential ticket, is currently ineligible to contest the election due to an ongoing incarceration. The opposition is hopeful that a higher court would overturn the verdict, rendering him eligible to contest the election.
Dr. Muizzu emphasized that the PNC was preparing for the presidential election in a proactive approach, considering the potential scenario where President Yameen may be barred from contesting the election. While the application deadline for presidential candidacy is set to conclude on August 7, Dr. Muizzu expressed his aspiration that the Elections Commission would validate President Yameen's eligibility before the deadline.
"This election offers an alternative route in case the government fails to facilitate President Yameen's participation," he said.
Muizzu said that in the eventuality of President Yameen's inability to contest, the PNC would continue to do whatever it takes to prepare for the election, including clearing his criminal record and determining his running mate.
