Solih says Male’s long‑standing issues require government involvement, not just council action

Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said on Sunday that the long‑standing problems in Male' City cannot be solved by the city council alone, and that government involvement is essential to bring meaningful change.

He made the remarks at a rally held by the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) at Artificial Beach to launch the party’s Male' manifesto.

Solih said the capital has faced severe challenges for decades, noting that many of the issues date back to the mid‑1980s. He described overcrowding as the city’s biggest problem, adding that he has witnessed the situation firsthand during his 50 years living in Male'.

“Everyone is forced to come to Male'. The economy is around Male'. If you want education, you have to come to Male'. If you want health services, you have to come to Male',” he said. Solih added that the only permanent solution to congestion is the decentralization strategy focused on developing atoll regions and improving access to services outside the capital.

މެނިފެސްޓޯ ލޯންޗުކުރުން (މާލެސިޓީ) https://t.co/CjbfFlxISF

— MDP Secretariat (@MDPSecretariat) March 8, 2026

He stressed that resolving Male'’s issues requires more than the efforts of the city council.

“This is not something that only the city council can do. This city cannot be solved unless a government is brought here to solve this problem. We have to bring that change in 2028,” he said.

Solih also said the solutions needed for Male' today can be achieved by electing MDP’s Male' mayoral candidate Adam Azim, describing him as someone he fully trusts.

“I have complete confidence in Adam Azim. There is no doubt that he will deliver what he is saying in his manifesto today,” he said.

He further criticized the current administration, stating that the decentralization system has been weakened and urging voters to reflect on the actions of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s team during his tenure as Housing Minister and as Mayor of Male'.

Local council elections are scheduled for April 4.