President Mohamed Muizzu aims to increase the membership of the People’s National Congress (PNC) to 100,000 before the end of this year, the party’s Parliamentary Group Leader Ibrahim Falah announced last night.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the PNC Congress, Falah noted that when Muizzu assumed office in 2023, the party had approximately 3,000 members. However, the party’s membership has since surged to 79,364.
Falah estimated that by the conclusion of the ongoing congress, the party’s official registry would exceed 80,000 members. He further highlighted that more than 12,000 people had joined the PNC within the last month and a half alone.
Despite allegations that employees of state-owned enterprises are being coerced into joining the PNC, Falah maintained that every individual joining the party does so of their own volition. He added that members remain loyal to the party due to their support for its principles.
While the target to reach 100,000 members was first set for 2024, the party has yet to achieve this milestone.
During the congress, Falah also assured that the 73 PNC members in the People’s Majlis remain committed to working with integrity to sustain the government.
He further asserted that parliamentary proceedings are being conducted fairly, in accordance with laws and regulations, and free from any undue political influence.
The push for membership growth comes amid recent constitutional amendments which stipulate that Members of Parliament will lose their seats if they switch parties or are expelled, a move described as "chaining" PNC lawmakers.
