Zariyand says Malé mayoral bid will stay within law and council powers

People’s National Front (PNF) mayoral candidate for Malé, Ismail Zariyand, said on Wednesday that he is not contesting the election to seek a senior political position and will limit his campaign commitments to what is permitted under the law and within the authority of the city council.

The PNF announced Zariyand as its candidate at a “reset” rally held at Artificial Beach on Wednesday. Zariyand is a former state auditor who has held senior positions in the finance sector.

Speaking at the rally, Zariyand said he decided to contest the Malé mayoral election after former President Abdulla Yameen told him that someone with his experience was needed to address issues within the Malé City Council. He said no other political leader had made a similar request to him before.

Zariyand said his decision was not motivated by ambition for a higher political role.

“Today, we are not here to climb a political position,” he said.

He outlined several priorities, including reviewing actions taken unlawfully by the city council, organising city administration within the scope of existing laws, ensuring equal access to municipal services, and examining corruption and illegal practices within the council.

Zariyand also said he would work to address housing-related issues in Malé using the powers granted to the city council under the law. He said decisions would be taken through public consultation and participation.

“Beyond the limits of the law and beyond the capacity of the city council, I will not make promises during this campaign,” he said, adding that voters would be presented with a commitment focused on protecting the rights of residents.

Zariyand said his objective was to remain accountable to the public and to carry out mayoral responsibilities in coordination with national leadership that prioritises economic stability. He added that he hoped Yameen would return to office as president while he served as mayor.

Former President Yameen also addressed the rally and endorsed Zariyand’s candidacy. He said the PNF sought a mayoral candidate with experience, technical knowledge, and adherence to the law, and that the party believed Zariyand met those criteria.

Responding to questions about his own involvement, Yameen said it was incorrect to suggest that Zariyand was aligned behind him politically.

“It is not Zariyand who is with me. I am with Zariyand,” he said.

Yameen said political parties often lose credibility after assuming office and referred to the current Malé mayor, stating that shortcomings were not necessarily due to intent. He said he had confidence that Zariyand would act with accountability.

Yameen described Zariyand as a candidate representing public interest rather than party politics and said he believed there was no other mayoral candidate with a comparable record of integrity in the current race.