Ali Azim pledges support for Adam Azim after MDP mayoral primary

Ali Azim, who lost to incumbent Male' mayor Adam Azim in the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) primary for the upcoming local council elections, has said he will work to help secure a second term for the mayor.

The former MP for Central Henveiru made the remarks while congratulating Adam Azim on his victory in the primary. In a phone call shared on social media, Ali Azim said party unity was his priority and pledged to work towards an MDP win.

“I always wish MDP success. I will work to win the mayoral seat for the party,” he said.

Following his victory, Adam Azim thanked his supporters and said the result was a victory for the MDP. He said competitive internal elections strengthened the party and helped unite its members.

“Holding elections in this way strengthens us. It unites us. It is a good opportunity to explain the problems in our country to each other,” he said.

Adam Azim also called on party members to work together to secure a majority in the Male' City Council and councils across the country, urging supporters to revive the party’s spirit and “hold the government in check”.

The mayoral primary was one of the most closely contested and high-profile races within the MDP, with Adam Azim and Ali Azim trading verbal attacks during the campaign.

MDP held its primary elections yesterday from 2 pm to 8 pm, with 129 candidates contesting across the country. Of these, 92 candidates contested from 25 islands, while 37 candidates from five islands classified as cities took part.

A further 23 candidates contested for MDP tickets to the Women’s Development Committees, including 15 from island councils and eight from Male'.