Members of the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) have expressed concern after accusing the government of supporting MP Abdul Ghani Abdul Hakeem instead of the PNC candidate running for the Kurendhoo constituency.
MP Ghani, who currently represents Kurendhoo, is contesting as an independent candidate. Meanwhile, Adam Thaufeeq who won the ruling party's ticket in a primary is also contesting for the seat.
Some senior PNC members from the Kurendhoo constituency told Adhadhu that "President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's support is for Ghani" and that is a concerning problem.
"The primary is held in a democratic manner and the members decide that he [Adam Thaufeeq] will contest on their behalf for the Parliament this time. So that decision should be upheld," a PNC member said.
Muizzu, who is currently on a tour of Lhaviyani atoll, will also visit Kurendhoo. But PNC members said the party's candidate has not been informed of the President's planned visit.
"President Muizzu is supporting MP Ghani. This is against democracy," another PNC member said.
Thaufeeq won the PNC primary held in January by a huge margin. His opponent got 71 votes while he got 296 votes.
Kurendhoo Council President Ismail Madheeh said there was no choice other than the candidate that won the primary and received the party ticket signed by President Muizzu.
PNC and the party's candidate Thaufeeq declined to comment on the matter.
Before Thaufeeq won the PNC ticket, he was seen with former President Abdulla Yameen.
There have been concerns over President Muizzu's endorsement of independent candidates in other constituencies instead of the PNC candidates.
