Former President Nasheed Urges Calm and Unity After Addu Referendum
Former President Mohamed Nasheed on June 23, 2025, at the Maldives Democratic Party’s meeting | Photo: MDP
Former President Mohamed Nasheed has called on the public to prevent anger or division following the decision by Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo to separate from the Addu City Council.
Miadhu ge vote gai vote dhin meehunge therein vaki council eh hadhaan dhinee 2176 vote. City eh ge gothugai baavvaan dhinee 2251 vote. Ehenas Meedhoo aai Hulhudhoo ge vote dhin meehunge bodu aghlabiyyath vote dhinee City in vakivaan. Mi vote ge sababun rulhi verikan ithuru viya… pic.twitter.com/Ujh0PVqTyc
— Mohamed Nasheed (@MohamedNasheed) October 25, 2025advertisement
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In the referendum held yesterday, Feydhoo voted against forming a separate council, while Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo voted in favour of establishing independent island councils.
The Elections Commission released provisional results last evening.
In Feydhoo, 616 voters supported separation, and 1,784 opposed it. In Meedhoo, 847 voted for separation and 144 against, while in Hulhudhoo, 623 voted for separation and 329 opposed it. A total of 4,493 people participated, representing 47 percent of the 9,576 eligible voters.
Nasheed noted that a large majority in Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo had opted to separate and urged residents to ensure the vote did not create dissent among the communities.
A resounding and wise decision by the citizens of Feydhoo. Congratulations. You have recognized that a unified Addu represents the most sensible and promising path for your collective future. I also extend my best wishes to Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo. May both islands continue to…— Fayyaz Ismail (@faya_i) October 25, 2025
Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail described Feydhoo’s decision to remain under the Addu City Council as a wise one. He also expressed hope that Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo would benefit from self-governance and see greater development as independent councils.
