MDP’s Adam Azim Sworn In as Male’ City Mayor

Adam Azim of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) assumed the role of Male’ City Mayor, accompanied by three recently elected councilors, in a formal ceremony held last night. 

The swearing-in ceremony was conducted by Supreme Court Justice Mahaz Ali Zahir.

The position of Male’ City mayor became available following the resignation of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu in November 2023, as he assumed the role of Maldivian president. Subsequently, three council seats were left vacant after the resignation of councilors who transitioned to positions in the new administration. 

The departing councilors were Abdulla Nasir, representing South Maafannu constituency; Adam Rameez, representing Central Henveiru constituency; and Fathimath Shamnaz Ali Saleem, representing South Henveiru constituency.

Opposition MDP’s Adam Azim emerged victorious in the by-election held on January 13th, securing 7,621 votes against ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and People’s National Congress (PNC) coalition candidate Azima Shakoor, who garnered 5,031 votes.

The three newly elected councilors sworn in alongside Mayor Azim are Hassan Nazim for South Maafannu constituency, Aminath Rishfa Ahmed for South Henveiru constituency, and Ahmed Rishwan Rasheed for Central Henveiru constituency.

While Nazim and Rishfa were elected under the PNC’s banner, Rishwan, initially elected on the MDP ticket, switched allegiance to the PNC on Monday.

With Rishwan’s party shift, the Male’ City Council, which comprises 19 councilors, now sees 13 members representing the ruling PPM-PNC coalition. The new administration is expected to bring fresh perspectives and initiatives to address the city’s challenges and meet the expectations of its residents.