Musa Ali Jalil Launches Mayoral Bid With Promise to Revive Male’s Municipal Services

Male’, Maldives: Major General (Retired) Musa Ali Jalil opened his campaign office for the Male’ mayoral race with a pledge to bring round‑the‑clock public service and continue what he described as a period of unprecedented municipal progress under President Mohamed Muizzu.

The former chief of defense force and former defense minister is contesting the April 4 council elections on the ticket of the People’s National Congress. At the opening ceremony, he framed the new office as a shared base for all PNC candidates running in the capital.

He told supporters that his decades in national service had shaped his approach to leadership. “Throughout my national life, I have faced things with courage and determination to produce results,” he said. He promised that if elected, he would be available to residents at any hour and would not allow political affiliation to influence the delivery of services.

Male’, home to roughly 100,000 people, has long struggled with congestion, limited public space and chronic infrastructure strain. Musa Ali Jalil said these problems had persisted since the city council system was introduced in 2011. He argued that the turning point came only after Muizzu won the mayoral seat in 2021.

He described President Muizzu’s two years and five months as mayor as a “golden age” for the capital. According to him, the administration held frequent meetings with residents, listened to complaints and resolved issues that had lingered for years.

Musa Ali Jalil said his decision to run was inspired by what he called the President’s courage and example. “I have a very good understanding of what the people of this city need most and what positive changes they most desire,” he said. He added that his plans would follow the development trajectory set during Muizzu’s tenure at the council.

Calling Male’ one of the most congested cities in the world, he said he was prepared to confront the city’s long‑standing challenges. He ended his remarks by expressing confidence that Muizzu’s record as mayor would continue to resonate with voters as the campaign moves forward.