The People’s National Congress (PNC) has formally confirmed former Minister of Defence Moosa Ali Jaleel as its candidate for the Malé City Mayor race, consolidating the party’s position ahead of the upcoming local council elections and projecting a message of stability, experience, and decisive leadership.
The announcement was made during a press conference held today, where PNC Campaign Manager and Inguraidhoo MP Ibrahim Falah disclosed that Moosa Ali Jaleel was the only individual to submit an application to contest the Malé mayoral post on the party’s ticket. Responding to questions from journalists, Falah emphasized that the uncontested application reflects internal unity and confidence in Jaleel’s leadership credentials.
The confirmation follows weeks of speculation circulating across media outlets and social media platforms regarding Jaleel’s political future and his potential entry into the capital’s mayoral race. Today’s announcement puts those discussions to rest, firmly establishing him as the party’s chosen standard-bearer for Malé.
Moosa Ali Jaleel is a well-known figure in national security and state administration. He served as Chief of Defence Force during the historic transition of power from the administration of former President Mohamed Nasheed and later held the post of Minister of Defence under former President Abdulla Yameen. His tenure in these roles positioned him at the center of critical state decisions during pivotal periods in the country’s political landscape.
By fielding a candidate with extensive experience in governance and national security, the PNC is signaling its intent to bring firm leadership, institutional discipline, and administrative competence to Malé City. The move is widely viewed as part of the party’s broader strategy to consolidate influence in the capital and appeal to voters seeking order, experience, and effective city management.
As the local council elections draw closer, Moosa Ali Jaleel’s candidacy is expected to be a central pillar of the PNC’s campaign narrative, particularly in Malé, where governance challenges and public expectations remain high.
