People's National Front

People's National Front
ޕީޕަލްސް ނެޝެނަލް ފްރޮންޓް
AbbreviationPNF
ChairpersonAbdulla Yameen
FounderZeine Abdulla Yameen
Founded24 November 2023
Registered25 April 2024[1][2]
Split fromProgressive Party of Maldives
HeadquartersHenveiru Dhoovehi, Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Malé Maldives
Membership (January 2026)3,012[1]
IdeologySocial conservatism
Right-wing populism
Political positionRight-wing
ColorsPurple, Light Green

The People's National Front (Dhivehi: ޕީޕަލްސް ނެޝެނަލް ފްރޮންޓް, PNF) is a political party is a right-wing political party in the Maldives, founded in 2023 by Zeine Abdulla Yameen after former President Abdulla Yameen split from the Progressive Party of Maldives.[3] It advocates social conservatism and right-wing populism, with a focus on nationalist policies. As of 2026, it has over 3,000 members but holds no seats in the People's Majlis.

History

Former President of the Maldives Abdulla Yameen left the Progressive Party of Maldives after an internal conflict between the PNC and PPM coalition, then decided to form his own party.[4][5] Yameen and other members requested approval for the party by the Elections Commission (EC) on 23 November 2023, but since Yameen was serving a sentence for money laundering and bribery he lacked the authority to do so.[6] His aides went to the EC to discuss the new party. The 8 founding members of the PNF party are:[7]

According to the EC regulations, only one official founder was allowed. Hence, the group chose Abdulla Yameen's son Zeine Abdulla Yameen. The party's name, logo, and colors were unveiled on 25 November 2023. It adopted a logo and colors reminiscent of Yameen's previous party, People's Alliance (PA).[8] He was given permission to form the party and was given 3 months to submit 3,000 membership forms to the Elections Commission of the Maldives.[9][10]

PNF was able to secure the 3000 signs before the given deadline by the Elections Commission of the Maldives,and was officially registered on 25 April 2024, shortly after the 2024 parliamentary elections.[11]

Formation and Early Activities

The party submitted its 3000 membership forms to the EC and had been given the greenlight to have an inaugural meeting.[12][13] It was scheduled to be held at Ghiyasuddin International School. However, citing logistical difficulties, the school pulled out on the afternoon of the event. PNF supporters initially gathered at the school hall and had clashes with the police had clashes. Former minister Maleeh Jamal informed the supporters to then gather near Sinamalé Bridge where eventually the inauguration took place after midnight. Zeine Abdulla Yameen was named Interim President until an actual senate was formed.[14]

In October 2025, the PNF held its first national assembly and opened nominations for leadership positions ahead of the event.[15] On 30 October 2025, Abdulla Yameen was elected unopposed as president, with his son Zain Abdulla Yameen and former Vice President Mohamed Jameel Ahmed elected as vice presidents.[16][17]

In 2026, during the 2026 Mayoral elections, Ismail Zariyand ran on the PNF ticket.[18]

Ideology and Policies

The PNF's ideology is characterized as social conservatism and right-wing populism, emphasizing Maldivian nationalism, opposition to Indian influence in the Maldives, and support for closer ties with China. It positions itself against the ruling People's National Congress and promotes policies from Yameen's presidency, such as infrastructure development and anti-corruption rhetoric.[19][20]

References

  1. ^ a b "People's National Front". Elections Commission. Retrieved 5 January 2026.
  2. ^ Shahid, Malika (26 April 2024). "Elections Commission registers Yameen's PNF". The Edition. Retrieved 26 April 2024.
  3. ^ "Yameen's new party called People's National Front | Atoll Times". atolltimes.mv. Retrieved 5 January 2026.
  4. ^ Mohamed, Mariyath (24 November 2023). "Yameen quits PPM, announces new party". The Edition. Archived from the original on 26 November 2023. Retrieved 26 November 2023.
  5. ^ "Yameen announces new party; People's National Front (PNF)". edition.mv. Retrieved 5 January 2026.
  6. ^ "Application submitted at EC for formation of Yameen's PNF party". Avas. 26 November 2023. Archived from the original on 26 November 2023. Retrieved 26 November 2023.
  7. ^ "Yameen's son named as founder of his new party, PNF". Sun. 26 November 2023. Archived from the original on 28 November 2023. Retrieved 26 November 2023.
  8. ^ "Yameen's next chapter unveiled: Peoples' National Front". Avas. 24 November 2023. Archived from the original on 25 November 2023. Retrieved 26 November 2023.
  9. ^ "Yameen Granted Approval to Form New Political Party". MV+. 29 November 2023. Archived from the original on 29 November 2023. Retrieved 29 November 2023.
  10. ^ Shahid, Malika (29 November 2023). "Elections Commission greenlights formation of former President Yameen's PNF". The Edition. Archived from the original on 4 December 2023. Retrieved 4 December 2023.
  11. ^ "EC officially registers Yameen-founded PNF". SunOnline International. Retrieved 5 January 2026.
  12. ^ Mohamed, Mariyath (27 February 2024). "People's National Front submits 3000 membership forms to Elections Commission". The Edition. Retrieved 14 April 2024.
  13. ^ Mohamed, Mariyath (5 April 2024). "Elections Commission gives go ahead to PNF to hold inaugural gathering". The Edition. Retrieved 14 April 2024.
  14. ^ Mohamed, Mariyath (10 April 2024). "PNF Formation Meeting held through obstructions, Zain appointed Interim President". The Edition. Retrieved 14 April 2024.
  15. ^ "PNF Opens Nominations for Leadership Posts Ahead of Inaugural Assembly". MV+. Retrieved 5 January 2026.
  16. ^ "Yameen elected unopposed as PNF president; son Zain and Jameel named vice presidents". SunOnline International. Retrieved 5 January 2026.
  17. ^ "Yameen unopposed for PNF presidency". edition.mv. Retrieved 5 January 2026.
  18. ^ Thaufeeq, Shazma (17 December 2025). "Ismail Zariyand to contest Malé mayoral race on PNF ticket". The Edition. Retrieved 14 February 2026.
  19. ^ "Muizzu's People's National Congress Storms to Power in Maldives". thediplomat.com. Retrieved 5 January 2026.
  20. ^ "Election: Political landscape in the Maldives after the change of government". www.freiheit.org. 11 March 2024. Retrieved 5 January 2026.
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