The ruling Congress Party (PNC) has announced that former Defence Minister Major General (Retired) Moosa Ali Jaleel will run for Malé City Mayor in the local council elections scheduled for April 4 next year.

When the party opened the opportunity to run for mayor, Moosa Ali Jaleel was the only candidate to come forward, according to the party. With this decision, Moosa Ali Jaleel will challenge current Malé Mayor Nishan Askari’s mayoral dignity.

Moosa Ali Jaleel served as Defence Minister during President Yameen’s government. He is a highly popular figure among the public, having provided distinguished service in defending the nation and its people during the November 3, 1988 mercenary attack on the Maldives.