Former Malé City Mayor and veteran businessman Sarangu Adam Manik has publicly endorsed ruling party candidate Moosa Ali Jaleel ahead of next month’s crucial mayoral election, arguing that meaningful development in the capital depends on strong alignment with the national government.
Manik announced his support following a meeting with Jaleel, who is contesting the Malé mayoral seat under the People’s National Congress (PNC) in the local council elections scheduled for April 4. Speaking to reporters, he framed the upcoming vote as a decisive opportunity to unlock stalled development priorities in the densely populated capital.
Standing alongside the candidate, Manik stressed that longstanding issues such as housing shortages and road expansion cannot be resolved by city councils acting independently. “These are major undertakings that only the central government has the capacity to deliver,” he said, noting that both financial resources and implementation power lie at the national level.
He emphasized that cooperation, rather than political division, is essential for progress in a small nation like the Maldives. “We should not remain in constant conflict. The real opportunity lies with Moosa Ali Jaleel. A vote for him is a vote for the betterment of Malé,” Manik stated.
The former mayor also pointed to past challenges faced by city administrations, arguing that lack of coordination with the government has historically hindered results. He warned that electing a candidate outside the governing framework risks prolonging stagnation, referencing previous leadership struggles to deliver key outcomes.
Highlighting Jaleel’s background, Manik praised the candidate’s discipline and leadership shaped by his military career, expressing confidence in his ability to execute the ruling party’s development agenda. “Once a goal is set, he will remain focused. If he follows the manifesto without deviation, the results will be positive,” he added.
Manik, who briefly served as Malé’s first mayor in 2011 before continuing as a council member representing Machangolhi South, remains an influential voice in the city’s political and business circles. His endorsement is expected to bolster Jaleel’s campaign as the capital prepares for a closely watched electoral contest.
