PNC Facing Backlash as Candidates Allegedly Sidelined in Council Primaries

Controversy has hit the People’s National Congress (PNC) ahead of its Local Council Election primaries, as several prospective candidates claim they were unfairly disqualified from the race. Despite the party using a new online portal to streamline nominations for the upcoming December 27 primary, many applicants report their bids were rejected without explanation.

Among those sidelined is Ahmed Rishfan, the sitting President of the R. Fainu Council. Rishfan noted that after submitting his nomination via the portal, his status was simply updated to "rejected" with no further details.

"I messaged the hotline inquiring about the reason, but I haven't received a substantial reply yet," Rishfan said. He suspects his disqualification is political, specifically linked to his transparency regarding a controversial local airport project. Rishfan stated that while he didn't oppose the project, he felt duty bound by his oath of office to inform residents about the high costs of land reclamation and the potential loss of private land plots.

In Ga. Vilingili, the situation is even more tense. Ahmed Junaid, a key figure in President Mohamed Muizzu’s local campaign, saw his nomination for the Vilingili Council presidency rejected. He alleges that MP Azim Abdul Azeez used his influence to clear the path for the incumbent, Vishal Mohamed, who Junaid claims lacks both public and internal party support.

"If he had the support, they should have held a primary," Junaid argued. "Out of fear that he wouldn't win, they gave opportunities only to favored candidates."

According to Junaid, the party has restricted the Vilingili primary to only female council candidates, effectively shutting out three other applicants:

• Fathimath Zifna Maumoon (WDC President candidate)

• Aminath Maham (WDC Member candidate)

• Hassan Naseem (Council Member candidate)

The disqualified candidates in Vilingili have announced they will not back down, opting to run as independent candidates in the general election instead. Junaid warned that by sidelining loyal party workers, the PNC risks splitting its own vote and losing the seats entirely.

This unrest mirrors the friction seen during the previous People’s Majlis primaries, where several candidates who were barred by the party leadership eventually ran as independents and won their seats.