Former president Nasheed backs Ali Azim for Malé mayor

Former President Mohamed Nasheed today publicly endorsed former Parliament Member Ali Azim's interest in running for the post of Malé City Mayor in the upcoming Local Council Elections.

Nasheed made his endorsement clear in a post on X (formerly Twitter). Sharing a photo of Azim, Nasheed wrote, "Ali Azim, for Malé City Mayor." Ali Azim could not be reached for immediate comment regarding the endorsement.

Nasheed publicly supports Ali Azim amid the campaign for Malé City Mayor, where the current Mayor, Adam Azim, related to former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, seeks re-election under the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).

Adam Azim ascended to the mayoral role last year following Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's resignation after his presidential election, officially taking office on January 22, 2024. By-election term lengths depend on the remaining term of the council, necessitating re-election for the Malé Mayor during the main Council Elections set for March of the upcoming year.

Adam Azim officially kicked off his campaign for re-election with a meeting with supporters on November 4. However, the opposition MDP has not yet held a primary to determine the party's official candidate for the mayoral position, setting the stage for a potential internal contest between the two figures.

While the two MDP figures vie for the party's ticket, the ruling People's National Congress (PNC), which currently holds the majority in the City Council, has not yet announced its candidate for the mayoral race.

In the previous by-election, Adam Azim won the post after contesting against City Councillor Mohamed Saif Fathih, former Attorney General Aishath Azima Shakoor, and former Police Commissioner Hussain Waheed.