Six Cabinet Ministers and MPs Elected as PNC Vice Presidents

Six high-ranking government officials and lawmakers have been elected as vice presidents of the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) following a high-stakes internal election. The newly elected leadership consists of cabinet ministers, senior administration spokespersons, and members of the Maldivian Parliament. Abdulla Rafiu, the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Fitness, topped the polls with 968 votes. He was followed closely by Ahmed Shiyam, the Minister of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources, with 964 votes, and Fathimath Sauda, the Member of Parliament for Nilandhoo, who received 923 votes. Rounding out the leadership team are Ibrahim Shujau, MP for Baarashu (862 votes); Mohamed Saeed, the Minister of Economic Development, Transport and Trade (833 votes); and Mohamed Hussain Shareef, the Chief Government Spokesperson at the President’s Office (780 votes). The eight-way contest saw two candidates fall short of securing a seat. Mohamed Nimal, CEO of the Local Government Authority, received 301 votes, while Asma Rasheed, MP for Central Maafannu, received 288 votes. The six victors will formally sign their declarations of office on Wednesday evening during a ceremony attended by the party leader, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. According to the electoral committee, any formal grievances regarding the results must be submitted in writing to Secretary General Moosa Fathuhy by 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, with final determinations issued after 4:00 p.m. During the congress' opening ceremony, President Muizzu emphasized the critical need for institutional cohesion. He urged party members to prioritize unity and collaboration following the internal contest, asserting that the PNC, as the nation's largest political organization, remains committed to placing the national interest above all else.