Nasheed Endorses Ali Azim for Malé Mayoral Primary

Former Maldivian president Mohamed Nasheed has formally endorsed former MP Ali Azim for the Malé mayoral ticket in the upcoming Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) primary.

Nasheed announced his backing in a post on his social media platforms, placing his support behind Ali Azim as the party prepares to select its candidate.

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Ali Azim for Male’ Mayor pic.twitter.com/xkcuoM17Xt— Mohamed Nasheed (@MohamedNasheed) November 10, 2025

The endorsement comes as current mayor Adam Azim launches his own campaign to seek a second term. With both Azims now competing for the nomination, the race is expected to draw significant attention and may deepen existing divisions within the MDP.

Adam Azim, a former managing director of the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), previously contested the 2024 Malé mayoral election after winning the MDP primary against former Maafannu Hulhangu MP Mohamed Falah. He went on to defeat the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) candidate, Azima Shakoor in the mayoral election.

Adam Azim represented the MDP in the 19th People’s Majlis before leaving the party, alongside Nasheed and several senior figures, to form The Democrats following Nasheed’s loss to former president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in the 2023 presidential primary. However, both Nasheed and Azim returned to the MDP earlier this year.

The MDP has yet to announce the official date of the primary.