Deputy Speaker of Parliament Ahmed Saleem has said the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) is confident of winning the 2028 presidential election without the support of a coalition and expects to secure victory in all upcoming by-elections.

Saleem made the remarks following the PNC's victory in the Meedhoo Council presidential election, where party candidate Suha Ibrahim won 54.09 per cent of the vote and secured the final seat needed for the PNC to gain full control of the Dhaalu Meedhoo Council. The election was held after the High Court ordered a revote, ruling that the two candidates who contested the original election had received an equal number of votes.

Speaking to MMTV from Meedhoo, Saleem described the result as an important win for the ruling party. He said the PNC's performance in the local council and Women's Development Committee elections held in April did not reflect a decline in support for either the President or the party. Saleem added that the party's focus at the time was divided due to efforts surrounding the constitutional amendment referendum.

Saleem argued that the Meedhoo result demonstrated the party's electoral strength and said the PNC would be able to secure victories in future by-elections across the country.

He further stated that the party is already preparing for the 2028 presidential election and expressed confidence that the PNC would be able to win the contest without forming a coalition.

President Dr Muizzu and the First Lady received a warm welcome from residents upon their arrival in Meedhoo on Sunday. A special event is scheduled to be held on the island to celebrate the PNC's election victory, with the President and First Lady expected to attend.