Azima confirms PPM-PNC ticket for Male’ mayoral election

Azima Shakoor, a former attorney general, has confirmed the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and People’s National Congress (PNC) coalition’s ticket for the upcoming Male’ mayoral by-election, after running unopposed.

The coalition’s spokesperson Heena Waleed told Sun on Monday that Azima had been the sole contender, and had therefore been confirmed the ticket.

Azima submitted her candidacy form for the PPM-PNC primary to PNC’s chairperson Abdul Raheem Abdulla (Adhurey) on Sunday night.

Speaking to reporters afterwards, Azima said she wished to continue her public service.

She added that it was time for Male’ to get a mayor who will work with the government.

“President [Dr. Mohamed] Muizzu has made some strong commitments to the residents of Male’. I believe that it is therefore the right time for a mayor who will work with the government and who knows how to work hard, in order to solve the issues facing Male’,” she said.

The position of Male’ City mayor became vacant after President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu resigned to take office as the Maldivian president in November.

Other candidates who have announced plans to contest the Male’ mayoral by-election includes:

• Adam Azim, former managing director of Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), from the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)
• Saif Fathih, an incumbent city councilor from Democrats
• Hussain Waheed, a former police commissioner from People’s National Front (PNF)

Candidacy for the by-election is open until December 13.

Elections Commission has announced that the Male’ city council by-elections will be held on January 13.