Minister for Islamic Affairs Shaheem Joins PNC After Leaving Adhaalathu Party

Maldives Minister for Islamic Affairs Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has officially registered as a member of the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC), according to data published on the Elections Commission website.

The official records indicate that Dr Shaheem formally signed with the PNC on Saturday, ending his affiliation with the Adhaalathu Party, where he had been registered as a member since 1 May 2025.

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The political shift comes amid widespread internal speculation regarding Dr Shaheem’s position within the ruling coalition. Unnamed party sources informed local media that senior figures within the PNC had repeatedly urged the minister to join their ranks in recent months. The same sources alleged that previous invitations were declined.

A long-standing figure in Maldivian politics, Dr Shaheem originally played a prominent role in the founding and early leadership of the Adhaalathu Party. He previously severed ties with the party in 2015 following disagreements over its decision to align against the government of the time, a move that coincided with his resignation from his cabinet position.

Although Dr Shaheem announced plans on social media platform X last year to contest the Adhaalathu Party’s leadership election, he ultimately refrained from submitting a candidacy when the vote took place late last year.