Ali Azim pledges to make Male' city a place of justice, order and opportunity

Former Henveiru Central MP Ali Azim, who is contesting the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) primary for Male' City Mayor, has pledged to transform the capital into a city where justice and law are upheld.  

Speaking at a campaign rally on Thursday evening, Azim said residents often tell him that “no one can change Male' anymore”, a sentiment he strongly rejects.  

“That’s a wrong idea. I will change. I can change. I have the honesty, I have the sincerity. I have in my mind a way to get it done,” Azim said.  

He said meaningful change requires courage and a willingness to act beyond conventional thinking. Azim emphasized that if the powers granted to city councils under the Decentralization Act were properly utilized, Male' could already be a city of justice and order.  

“I can do it, and I will not be influenced by anyone,” he said.  

Azim described Male' as a wealthy city and said it is essential to ensure that residents benefit from that wealth. He pledged to recover unpaid rents from leased land and maximize public revenue. He also promised to reduce household water and electricity bills and create pathways to develop unbuilt plots.  

Azim said he has a “big vision” to make Male' a great city.  

The rally was attended by former President Mohamed Nasheed, former MDP Chairman Fayyaz Ismail, and former Vice President Mohamed Shifaz.  

Azim also reflected on his political journey, noting that although he left the MDP during the last presidential election to form The Democrats, he still feels hopeful and proud when standing on an MDP podium.  

“This is the podium where everyone who tried to give the people the right to assembly, expression, and a clean life began their work,” he said.