The ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) has achieved a remarkable surge in membership, now boasting 68,968 registered members, according to the latest data released by the Elections Commission (EC) on Thursday.
This marks a significant increase from just 28,000 members in July last year.
In contrast, the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), the PNC’s coalition partner, has experienced a notable decline, with membership dropping to 12,134 from 34,000 in the same period.
The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has also seen a sharp reduction in its membership. The EC records indicate that the MDP’s membership has fallen to 43,755, down from over 200,000 in previous years.
The Jumhooree Party (JP) remains the third-largest party with 13,000 members, while the Adhaalath Party and the Maldives Development Alliance each have 9,000 members. Meanwhile, the Maldives National Party (MNP), a government coalition member, has seen its membership shrink to 6,000.
Smaller parties, including the Democrats (3,667 members), Maumoon Reform Movement (MRM), People’s National Front (PNF), and Maldives Third Way Democrats (MTD), all have memberships below 3,000.
The membership growth of the PNC has sparked controversy, with the opposition MDP accusing the ruling party of submitting membership forms without individuals’ knowledge during its drive. The PNC has strongly denied these allegations.
The EC’s updated party register highlights the shifting political landscape ahead of upcoming elections, reflecting changing public support among political parties.
This marks a significant increase from just 28,000 members in July last year.
In contrast, the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), the PNC’s coalition partner, has experienced a notable decline, with membership dropping to 12,134 from 34,000 in the same period.
The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has also seen a sharp reduction in its membership. The EC records indicate that the MDP’s membership has fallen to 43,755, down from over 200,000 in previous years.
The Jumhooree Party (JP) remains the third-largest party with 13,000 members, while the Adhaalath Party and the Maldives Development Alliance each have 9,000 members. Meanwhile, the Maldives National Party (MNP), a government coalition member, has seen its membership shrink to 6,000.
Smaller parties, including the Democrats (3,667 members), Maumoon Reform Movement (MRM), People’s National Front (PNF), and Maldives Third Way Democrats (MTD), all have memberships below 3,000.
The membership growth of the PNC has sparked controversy, with the opposition MDP accusing the ruling party of submitting membership forms without individuals’ knowledge during its drive. The PNC has strongly denied these allegations.
The EC’s updated party register highlights the shifting political landscape ahead of upcoming elections, reflecting changing public support among political parties.
