Afshan withdraws from race for Male’ City Mayor

Afshan Latheef, the Deputy Secretary-General of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), has announced she is no longer running for Male’ City Mayor in the upcoming Local Council Elections.

“It’s with much sadness and heavy heart I announce I will not be contesting for Male City Mayor,” announced Afshan, in a statement via her Twitter account on Wednesday.

She said that her decision to withdraw stemmed from having to attend “sudden and urgent” family responsibilities.

“While I greatly wanted to serve the people living in Male City and try make it a more pleasant, livable place for all, I am currently unable to do so,” said Afshan.

Her decision is believed to be linked with the condition of her mother, who recently underwent a major surgery.

Afshan, in her statement, expressed hope the next Male’ City Mayor is someone who is sensitive to the needs of the residents of the city, and dedicated to protecting the rights and interests of all residents of the city, irrespective of whether they are registered residents, migrants, or expatriate workers.

“Most importantly, I would like to see the MCC [Male’ City Council] utilize with steadfastness and confidence the newly given powers and mandates with the recent amendments to Decentralization Act to benefit everybody living in Male City - those registered in Male, those who've migrated, expat workers,” said Afshan.

Local Council Elections is scheduled to be held on April 4.

The new Male’ City Council will have 19 councilors.

Those who have already announced plans to run for Male’ City Mayor includes; the current Mayor Shifa Mohamed, Deputy Mayor Shamau Shareef, Councilor Ahmed Niyaz, former Feydhoo MP Alhan Fahmy, and former Housing Minister Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.