Secretary General (SG) of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Anas Abdul Sattar has announced he will contest in the party’s primary for the Mayor of Male’ City.
Announcing his candidacy, Anas said he is contesting for the position to help resolve the problems faced by the people of the capital city and to make the city a more pleasant place for its residents. He said he has stepped aside from his responsibilities as the party’s SG upon his intention to contest in the party’s primary.
Anas adds to a growing list of high-profile individuals who have expressed interest in contesting for mayorship in Male. Current Mayor Sifa Mohamed, Deputy Mayor Shamau Shareef and Councillor Ahmed Niyaz have all announced they will be contesting for MDP’s ticket for the position of Male’ City Mayor. Deputy Secretary General of MDP Afshan Latheef had also expressed interest in contesting for the position, although she later decided against it.
MDP said over 100 individuals have applied to contest in the party’s primary for the upcoming local council elections. The party said 78 applications have been received to contest for the party’s ticket for island councils, while 16 candidates submitted applications to contest for Addu City Council. Application to contest in the party’s primary is open until January 10, according to party officials.
MDP said the final voters list for the primary will be publicised on January 15. The primary is set to be held on January 31.
The local council election is scheduled for April 4. Under the new amendments to the Decentralisation Act, 981 councillors will be elected across the country in the elections this year.