Incumbent Male’ Mayor Adam Azim, who is contesting in main opposition MDP’s mayoral primary in a bid for a second term in office, has clapped back at members of The Democrats, stating there will be no more chances within MDP for the people who opened the door for President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration.
Speaking during a campaign event on Thursday night, Adam Azim made several targeted remarks against his rival in the primary, former Central Henveiru MP Ali Azim.
Ali Azim was among MDP members who defected the party in 2023 ahead of the presidential elections and to form The Democrats, campaigning against the MDP and its candidate, then-President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. The Democrats members rejoined MDP in 2025, citing they believe “a strong opposition is the best way to win the local council election, improve Maldives’ future, uphold an accountable state, and restore the waning faith in a competitive multi-party system.”
Adam Azim noted that members of The Democrats left the MDP so close to the 2023 presidential election despite numerous pleas, adding MDP has also repeatedly pleaded with them against handing over the country to the incumbent PNC administration.
“We are in this situation today because when MDP returned this country to the hands of its citizens from their hands, a group of people within us had come out and handed the country back to them. We pleaded, cried, not to do this,” he said.
Adam Azim emphasized that the appeals were made because the MDP understood the hardship the citizens would face if the situation unfolded as it did—something he said citizens are experiencing today. He cited examples such as the medicine shortage and the cancellation of student scholarships.
Adam Azim, citing that he had held a senior post during the last MDP administration, stressed that the citizens did not face such difficulties even during the COVID-19 pandemic. On the contrary, he said the country is in a delicate position today because a wasteful administration is running the country.
As such, he said there will not be any further opportunities for the people who worked to bring this government.
Adam Azim described himself as an individual who has always supported MDP, as it is the only sole political party which practices ideologies he believes in.
“This party’s ideology centres on goodwill towards the citizens,” he added.
Notably, there have heated exchanges between Adam Azim and Ali Azim ahead of the MDP primary scheduled for next Friday.