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Alhan, Afshan, Muizzu contest for Male' City Mayorship

Ahmed Aiham
16 December 2019, MVT 17:21
Former Feydhoo MP Alhan Fahmy (L), Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)'s Secretary General Afshan Latheef (C) and former Minister of Housing Dr Mohamed Muizzu. PHOTO: MIHAARU FILES
Ahmed Aiham
16 December 2019, MVT 17:21

Former Feydhoo MP Alhan Fahmy, Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)'s incumbent Secretary General Afshan Latheef and former Minister of Housing Dr Mohamed Muizzu have confirmed decisions to run for Mayor of the capital city Male' in the upcoming local council elections.

Although the three candidates have announced their intention to run for Mayorship, Elections Commission (EC) is yet to officially commence electoral procedures.

Dr Muizzu's candidate bid was announced by the Progressive Congress Colation's Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) Leader Abdul Raheem Abdulla. During his tenure, the ex-minister faced harshed criticism by the then-opposition for certain ineffective projects carried under his authorization.

Despite the PPM leader revealing Muizzu's campaign slogan as being "to make Male' Muizzu", Dr Muizzu's name was parodically adopted by the opposition as an adjective during his ministership and frequently used to describe unsuccessful projects. The nicknaming of "Muizzu Neru" followed an open harbour construction project on the southern coastline which frequented by large swells, resulted in multiple capsized ships.

Referring to the ratification of the newly amended Decentralization Act on Sunday, MDP Chairperson Afshan announced her candidacy through twitter, stating that her aim to establish a "true decentralized system" within the country and towards achieving long-term sustainable development.

Alhan also announced his candidacy on twitter, requesting members of the public to endorse the election bid. He was also ousted from his post as the MDP Vice president by the Party's national council in an emergency sitting on April 2012.

In 2014, he was stabbed at a Cafe' in Male' and suffered multiple injuries to the back and spine, for which he sought treatment from abroad.

The current Male' city Mayor Shifa Mohamed, is yet to announce a campaign for re-election. Having served as the Minister of Education during the presidency of Mohamed Nasheed. She became the first female Mayor of a major city in the country and is Male's third Mayor.

As per the amendments, 19 councillors will now be elected into the Male' City Council during the 2020 election. Previously, the mayor and council president's were appointed through an anonymous vote between the councillors.

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