Adam Azim, representing the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), has won the Male' City Mayoral by-election.
Five candidates contested the by-election for Male' Mayorship. The contenders included Adam Azim, Aishath Azima Shakoor from the ruling Progressive National Congress (PNC), Mohamed Saif Fathih from The Democrats, and two independent candidates, Shuaib Ali and Hussain Waheed.
Historically, since the local council elections started being held, MDP had consistently dominated the city council and mayoral seat until 2021. However, the dynamics changed in 2021 when incumbent President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, running on the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) ticket, won the first direct election for the mayor. The PPM also clinched the majority in the city council during the same local council elections. The party continues to have a majority in the city council.
Although the final results of the by-election are yet to be officially announced, initial ballot box counts indicate that Adam Azim is leading with a significant margin of 2,000 votes over PNC's Azima. Democratic candidate Mohamed Saif is currently in the third position.
MDP has hailed the re-election of an MDP mayor for Male' city as a significant victory for the party.
