DP’s leader, former president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, on Thursday night, expressed confidence in the party winning the Male’ mayoral by-election while urging to refrain from mistakes made during the last presidential elections this time around.

Solih made the remark while speaking at a mass rally held on Thursday night to officially conclude MDP’s Male’ mayoral candidate Adam Azim’s campaign.

It marked his first podium appearance since the loss in September’s presidential election.

Solih said the party, must obtain a lesson from the loss in the presidential election, and work to win the Male’ mayoral seat.

“As I believe, this is an election in our hands,” he added.

MDP's leader, former president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (C) at mass rally held to officially conclude MDP’s Male’ mayoral candidate Adam Azim’s (R) campaign on January 11, 2024. (Photo/MDP)

Solih described Azim as the most capable candidate to undertake the responsibilities of Male’ Mayor, adding he had showcased his leadership ability to the public during the former administration.

He also said Azim was contesting with a vision.

“I am saying this in light of experience and with courage, there is no one else more capable than Azim to do something like this at present. Every task that was handed to Adam during our administration had been completed to the fullest and utmost perfectly,” he said.

Solih said Male’ City Council has previously been working to run a separate government, adding that the council had been trying to bring powers that are not bestowed by the Decentralization Act under their hands.

He went on to describe Azim as an individual who will stringently implement the Decentralization Act and work within the confinements of law.

“Adam is contesting for mayorship to undertake the responsibilities bestowed by the law. Not to govern by forming a separate administration. Not to antagonize the incumbent administration,” he said.

Solih said an MDP mayor was required to address the issues faced within Male’ presently.

In his first political appearance in months, Solih also affirmed he would always remain with MDP.