Ismail Zariyand named PNF candidate for Malé mayor

Ismail Zariyand has been nominated as the candidate of the opposition People’s National Front (PNF) for Malé mayor in the upcoming local council elections.

The nomination was announced at the party’s “reset” rally held at Artificial Beach on Wednesday evening.

Zariyand, a former national football goalkeeper and long-serving state auditor, will contest the election as the PNF candidate, a party led by former President Abdulla Yameen. Speaking at the rally, Zariyand said he agreed to the nomination after being told that his experience was needed to address issues within the Malé City Council. He said this was the first time a political leader had made such a request to him.

Former Defence Minister Moosa Ali Jaleel has been confirmed as the mayoral candidate for the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC).

The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) is scheduled to hold its primary election for the Malé mayoral ticket on 30 January. Incumbent Malé Mayor Adam Azim and former Central Henveiru MP Ali Azim are contesting for the party’s nomination.

Local council elections are scheduled to be held on 4 April.