Main ruling People's National Congress (PNC) has submitted over 10,000 membership forms to the Election Commission of the Maldives (ECM).
The Political Parties Act states that only parties with 10,000 registered members will receive financial assistance from the state budget. PNC will be eligible for the funds if they reach 10,000 members before the Parliament passes the budget. Currently, PNC consists of 3,159 registered members and the Parliament is expected to pass the proposed state budget by the end of this month.
Speaking to PSM News, Vice President of ECM Ismail Habeeb said the commission has received a large number of membership forms from PNC. He said that more than 5,000 forms have been processed so far while 5,000 forms remain unprocessed.
PNC stated that a large number of people are joining the party and that more than 15,000 people have signed up so far. The forms are being submitted to the ECM.
At a time when PNC is working to increase its membership, former President Abdulla Yameen left ruling coalition partner, the Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM), to form a new party. Yameen left PPM due to differences of opinion with the party leadership. He was also dissatisfied after some PPM members joined PNC. While former Yameen has left PPM, its leadership remains committed to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.