Some members of the People's National Congress (PNC) have been colluding with the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) to defeat the government candidate in their constituency, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has said.
Speaking at a campaign rally for Yoosuf Nasheed, who is contesting on a PNC ticket for the Laamu Gan constituency, President Muizzu said members working with the MDP for self-interest was very regrettable and appealed against it.
"What's regrettable is that those among us, even if it's a few people, are allying with the MDP. They're putting self-interest ahead and working in ways that could cause the loss of the constituency's seat. I note this with regret because this is valid information that has reached me and I urge them not to do this," the President said.
President Muizzu said he did not want to pretend that people within PNC are not colluding with MDP at a critical time when the nation should come first. There was still time to remedy the situation, he said.
"Problems have arisen among us in a certain few constituencies. I urge repeatedly again not to do this. Solve this. Going forward with PPM-PNC candidates that have our support, candidates supported by the government, would be the noblest thing they could do," the President said.
The President's remarks despite his endorsement of independent candidates in some constituencies with candidates who contested in the PNC primary and secured the ruling party ticket.
In the Thimarafushi constituency, President Muizzu supports Thimarafushi MP Abdulla Riyaz’s brother Ahmed Riyaz instead of the PNC candidate. Ahmed Riyaz did not contest in the PNC primary.
Moreover, the President has also endorsed some candidates who are contesting independently after losing the PNC primary, including Azim Abdul Azeez in the Gaaf Alif Villingili constituency, Aiman Mohamed in Kulhudhuffushi Dhekunu, and former MP Anara Naeem in Huraa. PNC candidates are contesting in all three constituencies.
