Muizzu Highlights Potential Benefits of Separate Councils Ahead of Addu Referendum

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has outlined the potential benefits for residents of Hulhudhoo, Meedhoo, and Feydhoo should they vote in favour of forming separate island councils in the upcoming referendum scheduled for Saturday, 25 October.

Addressing residents of Fonadhoo in Laamu Atoll during his ongoing tour, President Muizzu said the government has no vested interest or preferred outcome in the vote. However, he noted that establishing separate councils would allow each island to receive its own funding allocations, rather than relying on the single budget currently assigned to the Addu City Council.

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“Hulhudhoo Council would receive approximately MVR 13 to 14 million as block grants. The Meedhoo Council would be allocated approximately MVR 18 million as a block grant, which is determined based on population and other similar indicators,” President Muizzu said to the citizens of Maldives during the livestreamed address.

He said that the referendum was being held solely to honour a pledge he made to the people of Addu during his presidential campaign.

 “During the presidential election, the residents approached me regarding the creation of separate councils. I assured them that I would work towards achieving a permanent solution,” he said.

The referendum, held under a Presidential Decree, focuses on whether Hulhudhoo, Meedhoo, and Feydhoo should remain under the Addu City Council or establish independent island councils. President Muizzu stated that the government’s role is to facilitate the vote and uphold the decision made by residents, emphasising that whichever outcome prevails, the administration will respect and support it.

He reiterated that the government holds no preferred outcome nor any stand in the referendum election.