Malé mayor says council will not act outside law for votes

Malé Mayor Adam Azim said on Saturday that he has not acted in violation of the Constitution and that he does not intend to take unlawful actions to secure votes in the upcoming local council elections.

Azim made the remarks during the first public meeting in a series scheduled to be held this year. The meeting took place on Saturday evening in Malé.

During the meeting, a member of the public raised concerns regarding the registration of four-wheel vehicles and the requirement for a garage letter.

Responding to the concern, Azim said the Malé City Council is acting in accordance with existing laws and regulations. He said neither he nor the council would take actions outside the law, regardless of electoral outcomes.

“There is no need to seek votes by doing something unlawful. Even if I do not receive a single vote, I have not done anything illegal,” Azim said.

He said challenges related to vehicle registration stem from legal requirements rather than council decisions. Azim said the law requires a four-wheel vehicle to have a garage in order to obtain a garage letter.

“That is what the law states. This is not a rule created by us,” he said.

Azim said all 18 members of the Malé City Council are committed to acting within the legal framework.

He added that the council would convey suggestions on easing vehicle registration requirements to the Ministry of Transport for consideration.