Zariyand: why I'm running for mayor of Malé

My commitment to decentralised and participatory governance deepened during the implementation of the Decentralisation Act (Law No. 7/2010), which established the current system of local government in the Maldives in 2011. As Director of the National Budget, I worked with the Ministry of Finance and the Civil Service Commission to support and train local councils on development planning, linking five-year development and financial plans to annual local budgets, in line with statutory planning and budgeting requirements. This work was informed by legal research and international best practice on participatory budgeting and local governance, including World Bank decentralization studies, notably the work of Dr. Anwar Shah.

Even after leaving public service, I continued to provide on-request support and training to island and atoll councils until 2025. Over time, I became increasingly concerned that the legal duties of councils, particularly in ensuring public participation, transparency, and the proper management of municipal services, public lands, and local assets, were not being consistently or fully applied. This has limited public oversight and reduced community involvement in decisions that directly affect daily life.  

I was born and raised in Malé, where my family has long been active in community life. It has been deeply disappointing to witness what I believe are weaknesses in the management of public resources and the loss of potential city revenue that could otherwise be directed at vulnerable residents and essential services. Today, Malé accommodates nearly half of the nation’s population, around 250,000 people, within just over six square kilometers. This places extraordinary pressure on housing, roads, sanitation, public spaces, and municipal services, and underscores the need for strong, lawful, and transparent local governance.

These realities have led me to seek the office of mayor. I believe my background in public finance, auditing, and decentralised administration can help strengthen the City Council’s institutional capacity, promote meaningful public participation, improve service delivery, and ensure that the legal powers vested in the Council under the Decentralisation Act and related public finance and laws are used to advance inclusive economic and social development, particularly for those most in need.

I have chosen to contest as an independent because I believe effective local leadership must place the city and its residents above party divisions. Local government is legally mandated to serve all constituents equally, regardless of political affiliation. My candidacy reflects a commitment to integrity, accountability, and the principle that public service should be guided by transparency, participation, and measurable results.

I recognise that this campaign is not easy. Established political parties and well-resourced interests often have structural advantages. However, my focus is on ensuring that the people of Malé clearly understand the legal mandate of their City Council and their rights under the law to participate in decision-making, access information, and hold their local government accountable.

My priority is to establish a professional, lawful, and service-oriented City Secretariat that delivers the municipal services required by law and policy; to publish timely and accessible financial and performance reports; and to use modern technology to make services faster, more transparent, and more responsive. Above all, I seek to actively engage youth, women, and all residents in shaping our city's future through open consultation, participatory planning, and shared responsibility.

In conclusion, my decision to serve is rooted in a simple belief: Malé deserves a city government that is lawful, transparent, and shaped by the voices of its people. With decades of experience in public finance and local governance, I am committed to building a City Council that listens, reports openly, and delivers results. I invite every resident to take part in this shared effort to strengthen our city’s future.

Editor's note:  Though he is running as an independent, Zariyand's campaign was launched at a People's National Front rally in December, where former President Abdulla Yameen endorsed his candidacy. The Maldives Independent has offered all mayoral candidates the opportunity to publish op-eds on equal terms.