Youth and Sports Minister Ahmed Mahloof on Wednesday announced his intention to run for mayor of Male' when the incumbent Dr. Mohamed Muizzu assumes the presidency.
Despite Muizzu's victory in last Saturday's presidential election as the Progressive Party of Maldives-People's National Congress (PPM-PNC) candidate, the Elections Commission (EC) would only consider the mayor's post vacant and announce a by-election when Muizzu takes the oath of office as president on November 17.
A former MP for the Galolhu Dhekunu constituency in Male', Mahloof unveiled his logo and launched his campaign on social media today.
"I have decided to contest in the by-election for the post of Male' mayor to be vacant on November 17," Mahloof tweeted, appealing for support from Male' voters.
Mahloof is one of the most active ministers of the current administration. The country earned major successes in sports during his tenure. Mahloof also developed sports facilities across the country.
Mahloof started his political career in the Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) and joined the MDP in 2018. He became the target of political attacks by the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) government of the day and worked hard to help the MDP win the 2018 presidential election.
If there are other contenders for Male' mayor from the MDP, the party's ticket will be awarded after a primary.
Potential candidates from the PPM-PNC have yet to express an interest in contesting for the Mayor's post.
The MDP formerly controlled Male' since the party's formation, winning parliament and council seats until recently. But the PPM-PNC took control of the city council in the 2021 local council elections. The opposition coalition also won a majority of votes in Male' in this year's presidential election.
Muizzu was elected as mayor after competing against Anas Abdul Sattar from the MDP.
