President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has called for political parties to set aside their partisan interests and prioritise the national interest in order to bring development and stability to the country.
The President made the remarks while speaking at the opening ceremony of the People’s National Congress (PNC) Congress 2026.
Speaking at the inaugural session of the PNC Congress, President Muizzu thanked the members for the role they have played in bringing the party to its current position. He also played a message sent by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to the Congress during his visit to the Maldives.
The President’s address at the PNC Congress was largely centred on the party’s philosophy of putting the nation first. He said that, given what the Maldivian political landscape has witnessed so far, some people, particularly young people, have developed the perception that political work is a “dirty” undertaking. However, he said this perception could be changed by putting the country first.
The President said that, while various parties are active in the political arena, actions can sometimes be taken in ways that harm the country, even when that is not the intention. He said such actions would not be taken if the national interest was prioritised.
“It should not be about leaving the country aside and doing things that benefit the party. What concerns us is that some parties, without thinking, do things that harm the country simply to cause political damage to another party. Such actions cannot be accepted. What we ask of everyone is to remember that, regardless of which political ideology they belong to, we are Maldivians,” President Muizzu said.
The President said that while the Government is working towards national development, differences in political ideology should not obstruct that objective. Instead, he said political actors should put forward what they believe is the best way to achieve that goal and engage in politics responsibly.
President Muizzu also called on all political parties to prioritise bringing about sustainable development that benefits the country as a whole. He said that despite efforts made so far, significant damage has been caused to the country’s social fabric.
He said his administration is working to address these issues by bringing sustainable development and that cooperation from all sides will be necessary.
“If we work according to the philosophy of this party, development can be achieved in a sustainable manner. I cannot achieve this simply by talking. We have also launched a campaign to promote respect. Sadly, no other political party apart from us has participated. Why is that? Let us all come together and do it,” President Muizzu said.
The President also highlighted efforts undertaken under the party’s philosophy to establish stability. He reiterated that political leaders have been given the opportunity to conduct political activities and that, so far, no political leader has been imprisoned.
He also noted that important efforts have been undertaken to ensure security, adding that all activities of the party and the Government will continue to be based on the party’s philosophy.