The Public Service Media (PSM) has held Male' City mayoral debate aiming to facilitate a platform for the candidates vying in the upcoming election.
The objective of the debate was to offer an equal opportunity to all five candidates, allowing them to articulate their visions and plans for the constituency. All mayoral candidates participated in the debate, addressing various issues and presenting their strategies to address challenges faced by the city.
The candidates shared their visions for tackling city-wide concerns, including resolving traffic issues, safeguarding the rights of registered citizens of Male' and undocumented foreigners, addressing concerns related to cats in the city, enhancing overall safety, and tackling problems stemming from inadequate citizen services. The debate provided a forum for candidates to respond to questions of interest to citizens.
The position of Male’ City mayor became vacant after President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu resigned to assume office in November. Simultaneously, the three council seats became vacant as councilors resigned to take on roles in the new administration. The by-election to appoint members for these positions is scheduled for the January 13.
Five candidates are running for the mayoral seat. They are former Attorney General Azima Shakoor representing the ruling PPM/PNC coalition and former CEO of MTCC Adam Azim representing the main opposition MDP. Other candidates include incumbent City Councilor Mohamed Saif Fathih representing The Democrats as well as former Commissioner of Police Hussain Waheed and Shuaib Ali who are running as independent candidates.