Adam Azim wins MDP ticket to contest second term as Malé mayor

Incumbent Malé Mayor Adam Azim won the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) ticket on Friday to contest for a second term as mayor of Malé, according to provisional results of the party primary.

The MDP primary was held on Friday to select candidates for the upcoming local council elections. Adam Azim contested the mayoral primary against former parliamentarian Ali Azim.

Provisional results showed Adam Azim securing more than 60 per cent of the votes cast and leading in most polling stations.

Approximately 5,400 members were eligible to vote in the MDP primary for the Malé mayoral candidacy. Voter participation was lower than previous party primaries.

Adam Azim began his political career in the Jumhooree Party, where he served as an adviser to party leader Gasim Ibrahim. He later served as Managing Director of the State Trading Organisation during the administration of former President Abdulla Yameen.

During the government of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Adam Azim served as Chief Executive Officer of the Maldives Water and Sewerage Company and Managing Director of the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company. During this period, MTCC launched the Raajje Transport Link service to improve transport connectivity across the Maldives.

In May 2023, Adam Azim left the Jumhooree Party and joined Solih’s second presidential campaign. He was elected Mayor of Malé in the 2024 by-election, defeating former Attorney General Azima Shakoor by a margin exceeding 2,500 votes.

Ali Azim began his political career in the Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party, where he served as vice-leader. He joined the MDP in 2013 and later served as Leader of the MDP Parliamentary Group during the 18th and 19th Parliaments. He represented the Central Henveiru constituency for three terms.

During internal differences within the MDP in the previous administration, Ali Azim aligned with the faction led by former President Mohamed Nasheed. When Nasheed formed a new political party, The Democrats, Ali Azim played a leading role after being expelled from the MDP for breaching the party whip. He rejoined the MDP in January last year.

Former President Solih supported Adam Azim in the primary but did not take part in campaign activities. Nasheed supported Ali Azim.

Former Defence Minister Moosa Ali Jaleel has been announced as the candidate of the ruling People’s National Congress for the Malé mayoral election and received the ticket without a primary. Financial analyst Ismail Zariyand is also contesting the mayoral race with the support of the People’s National Front, backed by former President Abdulla Yameen.