The ruling coalition of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and People’s National Congress (PNC) coalition is adapting to new realities following its leader former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom’ exit, as it preparing for the upcoming parliamentary elections.
Former President Yameen, who previously led the coalition, resigned from the PPM and subsequently formed a new political entity, the People’s National Front (PNF). His departure was marked by a unanimous decision of the coalition’s Senate to accept his resignation.
The PPM-PNC coalition on Wednesday announced that the leadership role would be assumed by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. The decision was taken unanimously by 103 members present at a joint Senate meeting. Despite Yameen’s departure, PNC Chairperson Abdul Raheem Abdulla, expressed confidence that the coalition has not been adversely affected and anticipates a supermajority win in the next year’s parliamentary elections.
In a show of readiness for the upcoming challenges, President Muizzu inaugurated a new, spacious office for the PNC in the Sea Tracks Building. This move symbolises the party’s expansion and preparation for the forthcoming elections.
Muizzu, affirming his commitment to the coalition’s success, emphasised the importance of working closely with the people and delivering on promises. His belief in overcoming challenges through unity and perseverance was a key message during the office opening ceremony.
The coalition’s strategy for the parliamentary elections revolves around four main points: tireless work, delivering pledges to the populace, visibility of these efforts, and the close involvement of President Muizzu’s administration with the public. This approach, according to Abdul Raheem, will lead to a significant victory in the elections.
President Muizzu’s candidacy in the presidential election came after the Elections Commission rejected Yameen’s candidacy due to a money laundering conviction, a decision later upheld by the Supreme Court. Yameen initially urged the coalition to boycott the election but later endorsed Muizzu.
These developments indicate a period of reorganisation and strategic alignment within the PPM-PNC coalition, as it gears up for the parliamentary elections amidst the formation of new political dynamics following Yameen’s exit and the establishment of the PNF.
