A heated exchange has erupted between Male' City Mayor Adam Azim and former Central Henveiru MP Ali Azim, following the city council’s release of land lease details for Male' and Villimale'.  
The council published records last Thursday, listing 157 plots leased across the capital, including flats, market stalls, and commercial premises. However, Ali Azim, who has declared his candidacy for mayor, alleged that the list omits a plot leased to RCC, raising suspicions of deliberate concealment.  
In a Facebook post, Ali Azim questioned whether the omission was intended to mislead the public and protect former Mayor Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and current Mayor Adam Azim. He implied that fraud and deception may have become habitual, indirectly accusing both men of misconduct.  
Former Central Henveiru MP Ali Azim. (Sun Photo/Maahil Athif)
Mayor Adam Azim responded by urging Ali Azim to submit any relevant documents to the council and defended the integrity of the disclosure process. He warned that spreading falsehoods would erode public trust, especially for someone seeking office under the MDP banner.  
Azim also noted that the council allows 30 days for any corrections or submissions regarding the published lease data. 
Male' Mayor Adam Azim. (Photo/Azim for Mayor)
The clash comes amid a competitive MDP mayoral primary, with both Azims campaigning for the party’s ticket in next year’s council elections. Their supporters have traded barbs online, reflecting deeper tensions within the party, which remains divided between rival factions.  
While Mayor Azim had previously pledged to publish the lease details by October 1st, the release was delayed by several weeks. The council cited technical work on its Land Information System as the reason for the holdup.