Adam Azim, who was elected as the Mayor of the city under the opposing Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)'s banner, has been sworn in.
Supreme Court Justice Mahaz Ali Zahir administered the oath of office to Azim and three other newly elected councilors at a special ceremony held on Monday night.
The ceremony was attended by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, Parliament Speaker Mohamed Aslam, Cabinet ministers, and senior members of MDP and the ruling Peoples' National Congress (PNC).
The mayoral by-election was held on January 13, with 5 candidates contesting for the post: Ali Azim, PNC's Aishath Azima Shakoor, The Decmorats' Mohamed Saif Fathih, and two independent candidates, Shuaib Ali and Hussain Waheed. Azim was most closely contested by Azima.
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.
MDP has hailed the re-election of an MDP mayor for Male' City as a significant victory for the party.
