The Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM) has announced a significant increase of more than 10,000 members in the ruling People's National Congress (PNC), positioning the party to become the fourth largest in the Maldives.
Out of the 10 political parties registered with the ECM, only six have reached 10,000 members and will receive funding from the state budget for next year. PNC has successfully surpassed 10,000 members, securing financial support from the state budget.
Vice President of ECM Ismail Habeeb clarified that political parties reaching 10,000 members by the state budget approval date will be eligible for funding as per the established regulations. Notably, six parties were funded from the budget in the previous year. The change in funding recipients this year is attributed to the decrease in members of the Maldives National Party (MNP), resulting in their exclusion in the new list.
Additionally, Habeeb highlighted the growth of PNC members, with over 18,000 registration forms submitted. He said that ECM is processing the membership forms, projecting that PNC will soon become the fourth-largest party in the country. Previously, the Adhaalath Party (AP) held the position, but PNC currently has more members than AP. He also pointed out that PNC members will continue to increase with newly joined members and and members switching parties.
PNC had 3,159 members as of February 21. However, the party has undertaken initiatives to boost its membership since the presidential election in September, setting a goal to achieve 30,000 members before the end of the year.