Public backlash over Male council hiring MDP consultants

Mayor Adam Azim has stirred controversy after revealing that the Male’ City Council has awarded nearly all of its recent consultancy jobs to members of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).

The announcement, made during a conference of MDP councillors held in Hdh. Kulhudhufushi, has sparked significant backlash, both within and outside the political spectrum.  

Speaking at the event, MDP’s Azim highlighted his decisions on hiring. 

"In the council, if I ask for something, it gets done. When I requested 15 consultants, 15 consultants were hired. Except for one, all the others are from our party," the mayor said.

The statement, which was broadcast live on Raajje TV, quickly spread on social media.

MDP Chairman Fayyaz Ismail instructed the council’s Media Officer, Aminath Shathufa, to edit and circulate the video on social platforms.

However, activists of the ruling Progressive National Congress (PNC) were the first to spread the video widely.  

Zaahidh Rameez, a PNC activist, posted the video on X (formerly Twitter) and claimed that Shathufa had sent it to him directly. In the following hours, numerous users shared the footage, condemning Azim's actions.  

One prominent account, Addey, who identifies as an MDP supporter, criticised the mayor’s decision, stating that the MDP had opposed similar practices during the tenure of former Mayor Mohamed Muizzu.  

The scandal has raised concerns about favouritism in the hiring process. Sources report that some of the individuals who received consultancy jobs are personally connected to Azim. 

Notable appointments include:  

Critics have argued that these appointments indicate cronyism within the city council. Former activist Mohamed Saeed commented that many council members were elected “to do business,” adding that Azim’s lack of real influence is deliberate, as the PNC holds a majority in the council.  

Azim’s hiring decisions mirror similar practices by former Mayor Muizzu, who also employed close allies as consultants during his time in office. Some of those individuals now hold high-ranking government positions, including: