Ali Azim has emerged as the new President of the Malé region on the National Council of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). Azim, who currently serves as the Mayor of Malé City, secured 617 votes in the election held on Friday, according to local media reports.
His opponent, former West Maafannu MP Mohamed Falah, received 215 votes. The race for the Malé region presidency was anticipated to be highly competitive, and Azim’s victory marked a significant moment for the mayor.
The post of Malé region president was previously held by Shifa Mohamed, who also served as the Mayor of Malé City. The seat on the MDP National Council became vacant after Mohamed resigned from the party.
Azim’s political journey includes serving as the managing director of the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) during the previous MDP-led government. He was initially appointed to this position on a slot allocated for Jumhooree Party (JP) but later changed his allegiance, pledging support to former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih before last year’s presidential election.
Azim’s victory in the Malé Mayoral by-election on the MDP ticket further solidified his position within the party.
In addition to the Malé area, the MDP conducted by-elections to fill vacant seats in 20 constituencies within its National Council.