Former Attorney General Azima Shukoor has decided to contest the mayoral by-election in Male' city on a PPM/PNC ticket.

Azima, in a statement issued on Wednesday, said that a lot of work needs to be done to develop the Male' area in the true sense of the word, adding that even though the decentralization law changes the governance of the country, the needs of the people have not changed.

Azima said that due to the tussle between the council and the mayor's office and the government, the development and services needed by the people of male' city have been completely halted, including housing issues, housing security and social and health issues.

"It would be best for the development of Greater Male' city and the Maldives to nominate an honest Maldivian son as the mayor of The Maldives, capable of developing Male' city in the true sense of the word," she said.

Azima further said that she will implement the strategic plan prepared by Male' Mayor and President-elect Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and solve major problems faced by Male' City.

The by-election to the post of Mayor of Male' city was necessitated after Dr. Muizzu won the presidential election and was elected as the President of the Maldives.

Youth and Sports Minister Ahmed Mahloof and former Police Commissioner Hussain Waheed have also officially announced that they will run for mayor of Male' City.