Hulhumale’ MP Calls For Separate City Status

Hulhumale’ South MP Ahmed Shamheed has called for Hulhumale’ to be designated as an independent city, separate from Malé.

Shamheed said Hulhumale’ is distinct from Malé in its character and governance, and therefore warrants its own city council. He argued that a separate administrative body would allow decisions to be made in the best interests of residents who live and work in the area.

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Hulhumalé is a city with unique features and diversity, far different from Malé. It deserves its own independent city council, separate from Malé’s. The supermajority in Malé City Council may not act in Hulhumalé’s best interest, and it’s impractical for representatives from…— Ahmed Shamheed (@Ashamhyd) November 2, 2025

Hulhumale’ currently falls under the jurisdiction of the Malé City Council, though most municipal services are managed by the Housing Development Corporation (HDC), except for the cemetery. Shamheed noted that the council’s authority over Hulhumale’ remains limited as a result.

He urged both Parliament and President Dr Mohamed Muizzu to take steps to formally recognise Hulhumale’ as a separate constituency and city.

The call echoes similar concerns previously raised by former President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and former Hulhumale’ councillor Ibrahim Shujau, who have also advocated for municipal services in Hulhumale’ to be transferred from HDC to the city council.

Shamheed’s comments follow an opinion poll held in Addu City on 25 October, where residents of Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo voted to secede from the Addu City Council, while Feydhoo opted to remain under its administration.