The People’s National Congress (PNC) aims to contest the 2028 presidential election with more than 100,000 members, Deputy Parliamentary Group Leader and Vilimalé Member of Parliament Mohamed Ismail has said.

Speaking during MMTV’s coverage of the PNC’s internal election, MP Mohamed Ismail said the party was confident of achieving the target before the 2028 presidential election.

Seven political parties are currently registered with the Elections Commission. Commission records show the PNC, which was established in 2019 with 3,000 members, now has more than 74,000 members.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, who also serves as President of the PNC, has previously led membership drives in Malé and across the atolls to expand the party’s membership.

MP Mohamed Ismail attributed the party’s growing membership to its leadership and the close relationship between President Dr Muizzu and party members.

"Under the guidance of President Dr Muizzu, our target is to increase the PNC's membership to more than 100,000 before contesting for a second term in 2028. I have no doubt we will achieve that target. We have not yet been able to begin the work due to time constraints, but, God willing, we will start during the next parliamentary recess," he said.

MP Mohamed Ismail said the party continued to attract new members because of President Dr Muizzu's policies, which he said prioritise national development and the welfare of the people.

He also criticised opposition parties, saying their leaders' actions did not match their words. MP Mohamed Ismail added that President Dr Muizzu was the only political leader whose actions consistently reflected his commitments.