Saif defeated in MDP council primary

Mohamed Saif Fathih, a sitting member of the Malé City Council representing Galolhu North, was unsuccessful in the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) primary held on Friday to select candidates for the upcoming local council elections.

Saif, who recently rejoined the MDP after leaving The Democrats, contested the Machchangolhi North constituency. According to provisional results, Khadeeja Mohamed, also known as Hajja, secured the party ticket.

Results showed that Saif received 32 votes, representing 26 per cent of ballots cast, while Khadeeja obtained 85 votes, amounting to 68 per cent.

Saif has been among council members who have raised concerns regarding issues within the Malé City Council in recent months. During this period, criticism was also directed at President Mohamed Muizzu for his handling of certain matters during his tenure as mayor.

Khadeeja has been active in party activities and public engagements. She has also expressed views on political issues through social media platforms.

The most closely watched contest in the MDP primary was the Malé mayoral race, which was won by incumbent Adam Azim.

Khadeeja was part of Adam Azim’s campaign team during the primary. Saif, meanwhile, supported former parliamentarian Ali Azim, who contested the mayoral ticket. Former Presidents Mohamed Nasheed and Ibrahim Mohamed Solih backed different candidates during the primary, with Nasheed supporting Ali Azim and Solih’s supporters working in favour of Adam Azim, despite Solih not campaigning publicly.