In a decisive electoral triumph, Adam Azim, the candidate of the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), has been elected as the new mayor of Male’ City. Saturday’s polls also determined representatives for three additional council seats – the South Maafannu seat, Central Henveiru seat, and South Henveiru seat.
Polling stations opened their doors at 8:00 am and closed at 5:00 pm, marking a crucial day for the Maldivian capital.
The other candidates in the mayoral race included Aishath Azima Shakoor from the People’s National Congress (PNC), Mohamed Saif Fathih from the Democrats, Hussain Waheed, an independent with People’s National Front (PNF) backed by former President Yameen, and Shuaib Ali (Furahani Shuaib), an independent candidate.
Despite the significance of the elections, there was a notable low voter turnout, with only 17,500 out of 54,680 eligible voters participating, according to the Elections Commission (EC).
The vacancy for the position of Male’ City mayor arose after President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu resigned to assume the role of Maldivian President in November 2023. Concurrently, the three other council seats were vacated as councilors resigned to take on positions in the new administration.