Male' is in need of a new rhythm, and the MDP is ready to bring a change: Shahid
Speaking at the ceremony to launch the Male' City manifesto, MDP President Abdulla Shahid praised Mayor Adam Azim as a courageous leader whose exemplary efforts are driving significant improvements in the capital's affairs.
MDP President Abdulla Shahid addresses an MDP rally on March 8, 2026. | RaajjeMV | Raajje MV
Male' is in need of a new pulse, and the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) is committed to bringing about that change, stated MDP President Abdulla Shahid.
Shahid made these remarks while speaking at a ceremony held on Sunday night to launch the Maldivian Democratic Party’s (MDP) manifesto for the Male' City Council election.
Shahid described Male' City Mayor Adam Azim, who is contesting the mayoral seat on the MDP ticket, as an exemplary figure. He noted that he has closely observed the changing pulse of the city, characterizing its previous state as something that was being operated via remote control.
"The pulse of Male' is controlled by a remote. Those entrusted with managing the city's affairs have been operating like they are treating a patient in the ICU. They call it 'guidance and instructions.' It was in the midst of this situation that an MDP candidate was elected as Mayor," Shahid said.
Speaking at the gathering, Shahid praised Azim’s resilience, noting that he assumed the role of Male’ City Mayor without any external support. Shahid further highlighted that Azim has been the driving force behind the reforms brought to the capital over the past two years.
Shahid stated that the era when Male' streets would flood and be littered with cat waste whenever it rained has now come to an end. He further noted that it was through Azim's efforts that the previous practice of leaders engaging in performative displays during heavy rainfall was also brought to a halt.
"The MDP is not an organization that buys votes. The MDP provides a service of integrity. That is why the scale symbol has remained on the ballot paper since 2008," Shahid said.
Furthermore, Shahid emphasized the necessity of rescuing Male' from the PNC. Abdulla Shahid also stated that the MDP is the party standing firm for the people, refusing to yield to pressure or coercion. Consequently, he urged voters to support the MDP in the upcoming Council and Women's Development Committee (WDC) elections.
