Addu mayor Nizar shows interest in seeking new term

Addu City Mayor Ali Nizar has indicated his interest in contesting next year’s local council elections on the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) ticket.

The MDP has not yet announced its primary for the council elections scheduled for late March. However, the party opened an expression-of-interest window in August for those intending to seek nominations before the formal primary process begins.

This window has since closed, and reliable sources have confirmed to Atoll Times that Nizar was the only individual to express interest in the mayoral position.

Nizar, a former MP for Hithadhoo South in the 18th Parliament, has not publicly commented on his intention to seek another term as mayor.

According to the MDP, only those who submitted interest during the August call will be eligible to contest the primary.

However, developments since then may prompt the party to reopen opportunities. Last month, Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo voted in a referendum to leave the Addu City Council, altering the council’s composition. The change is expected to influence the party’s internal nomination process.

There is no contest for the MDP ticket for the Addu mayoral post beyond Nizar’s interest. Meanwhile, in Malé, incumbent Mayor Adam Azim and former MP Ali Azim are vying for the MDP nomination.