Azim: Citizens must reconsider if PNC councilors seek re-election after failing to attend meetings and advocate for public interests

Male' City Mayor Adam Azim has stated that citizens must carefully consider their choices if PNC candidates currently serving as councilors are seeking a second term despite failing to attend council meetings or advocate for the public's interests.

Speaking at an MDP pickup rally held in Hulhumale' Phase II, Mayor Azim stated that the area is currently characterized by neglect and clutter, which he claimed is clear evidence of the Housing Development Corporation's (HDC) failure to manage the district effectively. He further asserted that HDC operates solely as a profit-driven entity rather than one dedicated to the welfare and best interests of the citizens.

The Mayor stated that according to the Constitution, Hulhumale is an integral part of Male' City and must therefore be handed over to the Male' City Council. He noted, however, that the refusal to transfer jurisdiction has led to numerous unlawful actions. As an example, he cited the denial of permission to display campaign posters for Zaya, a candidate contesting on the MDP ticket, despite formal requests being made.

They have been withholding the permits required for the campaign boards of Zaya, the candidate for this constituency. I want to make one thing clear: Zaya’s boards will be displayed here. Go ahead and put up Zaya’s advertisement boards; they cannot be removed. Keep putting them up. These permits must be issued by the Male’ City Council, and the Council will grant them. It is the Male’ City Council that has the authority to issue permits regarding traffic, residency, and general administrative matters in this area. Hulhumale’ is a part of Male’ City; it is a ward of Male’ City. Therefore, their unlawful attempts to seize control and restrict this area are a direct violation of the Constitution.

Mayor of Male' City, Adam Azim

The Mayor stated that electing the MDP candidate would ensure strong advocacy for these issues. However, he noted that the opposing party's candidate has a record of failing to attend council meetings. He questioned why voters should elect an individual to the council who is unable to attend its sessions.

The Mayor stated that after being elected to a constituency in Henveiru, a district of Male', the individual has now moved to Hulhumale' North because they could no longer secure a win in their previous seat, yet they remain invisible to the residents there. He further noted that electing councilors who have clearly failed in their duties would be deeply detrimental to the public.

Why should we elect someone to this position who fails to attend meetings? Why should such an individual be elected to the Council? Having been elected to represent a constituency in Henveiru, a district of Male', they have now come here simply because they realize they cannot secure re-election there. The residents of that area never saw them, and now they have arrived here, yet they remain equally invisible to the local people. Therefore, why should we elect someone who shows no engagement with the people's affairs even now? Electing councilors who have already proven to be failures will only result in significant detriment to the public.

Male' City Mayor Adam Azim

The Mayor stated that out of the twelve meetings held so far, the member in question had only attended two, and even then, had merely made a brief appearance at one of them. He questioned how a nation could progress by electing such individuals.

The Mayor has appealed to the public to elect Zaya for the Hulhumale' North constituency, Safath for the Hulhumale' Central constituency, and Ghalib for the Hulhumale' South constituency. He stated that, if elected, these representatives would advocate tirelessly to resolve the various issues facing Hulhumale'.