Adam Azim says he will never betray an MDP‑elected position even if others leave the party

Male' City Mayor Adam Azim says he will never betray the trust placed in him by Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) members, even if others choose to leave the party.

Speaking at a rally held at the MDP camp in Male', Azim said he believes he has served in a way that the party can be proud of, and that members would not regret the vote they gave him.

“So far, some people have been elected with your votes, reached high positions, and then shamed you, even toppling governments and abandoning you. I will never be like them,” Azim said, in a clear jab at his primary opponent, Central Henveiru MP Ali Azim. Ali Azim was among the members who left the MDP during the fallout between Mohamed Nasheed and Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, before later returning to the party.

Azim also criticised those who left the MDP to form The Democrats, saying they deceived the previous MDP government and contributed to its downfall.

“MDP members will not give them the chance to play the same circus again,” he said.

He said the Male' City Council is currently one of the least corrupt institutions in the country, but claimed the current government, and those who “helped” bring it to power, would not want it to remain that way.

Azim said he intends to work only with honest people and urged members to vote for his slate of candidates in the primary.

He criticised councillors who “sign in and stay at home,” saying the city needs representatives who genuinely care about the public.

Running the council is difficult, he said, but he has always tried to act in the best interest of the people.