President says Moosa Ali Jaleel is his choice for Malé mayor

President Mohamed Muizzu said on Saturday that former Defence Minister Moosa Ali Jaleel is contesting the Malé mayoral election on the ticket of the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) at his request.

Moosa Ali Jaleel was the only candidate to contest the PNC primary for the Malé mayoral ticket. His unopposed candidacy had led to reports that the President had asked him to stand.

Speaking at a campaign event at the PNC’s main camp in Malé on Saturday afternoon, President Muizzu said Moosa Ali Jaleel has long had his support.

He said he had personally asked Moosa Ali Jaleel to contest the mayoral election.

“Moosa Ali Jaleel has my full support. He is my choice. I met him and asked him to run for the post of mayor of the Malé City Council,” the President said.

He said cooperation from the mayor would be required to implement the government’s plans and the commitments made to residents of the city.

The President said he believed Moosa Ali Jaleel would carry out the responsibilities of the office according to the law.

“There is no allegation against him. He has served the country, and that is why I asked him to contest and thank him for accepting,” Muizzu said.

The President reiterated that Moosa Ali Jaleel was his preferred candidate, following comments by former President Abdulla Yameen, who said the ruling party’s nomination would benefit the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party candidate and incumbent mayor, Adam Azim.