President Muizzu Urges Political Parties to Prioritize National Interest Over Partisanship

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has called on Maldivian political parties to set aside partisan agendas and prioritize the national interest to ensure the country's long-term stability and development. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the People’s National Congress (PNC) Congress 2026, the President emphasized that the philosophy of "putting the nation first" is essential to healing the country's social fabric. He noted that years of political friction have led many, particularly the youth, to perceive political engagement as a "dirty" undertaking—a perception he believes can only be reversed when national welfare outweighs party gains. President Muizzu warned that political maneuvers intended to damage opponents often inadvertently harm the state. He stressed that regardless of differing ideologies, political actors must remain mindful of their shared identity as Maldivians. "It should not be about leaving the country aside and doing things that benefit the party," the President stated. "What concerns us is that some parties, without thinking, do things that harm the country simply to cause political damage to another party. Such actions cannot be accepted." While acknowledging the role of political diversity, the President argued that ideological differences should not obstruct national development. He urged opposition and governing parties alike to propose constructive alternatives and engage in politics responsibly to achieve sustainable growth. Highlighting his administration's efforts to foster a culture of respect, President Muizzu lamented the lack of participation from other political entities in recent initiatives aimed at promoting social harmony. He asserted that cooperation from all sides is necessary to repair the damages caused to the nation's social cohesion. Closing his address, the President linked the party's philosophy to the current state of national stability. He pointed to the current political climate, noting that political leaders have been granted the freedom to operate without the threat of imprisonment as evidence of his administration's commitment to stability and security.