MDP backs Mekhael for Male’ Deputy Mayor

The main opposition party, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), will be backing Mekhael Mohamed Riyaaz (Miki), the councilor for the Central Henveiru constituency, as Male’ City’s deputy mayor.

Four councilors from the fifth session of the Malé City Council, who took their oath of office this morning, had expressed interest in the deputy mayorship. Alongside Mikhael, the other candidates were:

• Mohamed Rilwan Ali (Rilay), councilor for West Maafannu constituency
• Aishath Hana, councilor for Central Maafannu constituency
• Fathimath Zahiyya, councillor for North Hulhumalé constituency

Mikhael secured the party’s backing for deputy mayorship with seven votes. His nearest competitor Zahiyya, got votes, while Rilwan and Hana each received two votes.

With the new council sworn in today, the MDP holds a clear majority in the Malé City Council, with 16 councilors, while just two councilors represent the ruling People's National Congress (PNC).

In the recent election, which saw several members of the fourth Malé City Council seek re-election, Mayor of Malé City Adam Azim was the only incumbent to retain his seat for another term.