Former President Nasheed endorses Ali Azim, says he will transform Male' city if elected mayor

Former President Mohamed Nasheed has declared his support for former Henveiru Central MP Ali Azim in the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) primary for Male' City Mayor, saying he is confident Azim will transform the capital during his term.  

Azim’s campaign rally on Thursday evening was attended by Nasheed, former MDP Chairman Fayyaz Ismail, and former Vice President Mohamed Shifaz.  

Speaking briefly at the rally, Nasheed said he supported Azim because he believed Azim would move to change Male' city if elected.  

“This is why I support Azim. He asked me, why doesn’t Male’ city have the most beautiful reef in the nation? Shouldn’t the capital have the best lagoon, the best reef? I told him there is no reason it shouldn’t. These are all things that can be done, but have not been done yet.” Nasheed said.

Nasheed said he was impressed by Azim’s vision and faith that the capital can be transformed, and urged MDP members to elect him in the primary.  

“I am sure Male' city will change under Ali Azim’s mayoralty. So I sincerely ask everyone to vote for Ali Azim,” Nasheed said.  

Speaking at the rally, Azim said he has been conducting door‑to‑door campaigning in Male'. He noted that many residents express doubt that anyone can change or improve the city, as past mayors from different parties have failed to deliver.  

“That is a wrong idea. I am confident I can bring about that change,” Azim said.