News Desk
MALE’, Maldives — Homeland Security and Technology Minister Ali Ihsan said Wednesday that the large number of candidates contesting under the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) demonstrates public confidence in the government’s decentralization system.
Speaking at a press conference on preparations for the upcoming local council elections, Ihsan said the PNC will field more candidates than any other party in a single election. “This shows that people accept the system, the powers and authority, and the importance given to governance through decentralization,” he said.
Ihsan described the turnout as unprecedented, noting that it may be the largest number of candidates to contest in the country’s history. He added that the public has welcomed reforms to the decentralization framework and that the strong participation reflects support for the government’s policies.
PNC parliamentary group leader Ibrahim Falah also told reporters that membership in the party continues to grow, with thousands of new members joining ahead of the primaries. He said the surge underscores the party’s expanding reach, particularly in rural areas where residents see new opportunities under the government’s programs.
On the organization of the primaries, Ihsan said the process has been “very well arranged” and will be conducted in a participatory manner. He pledged that both the primary and the election campaign would be managed in ways that set an example for other parties.
