President Muizzu Announces Referendum on Separate Councils for Addu

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu said he wants to hold a referendum next month to decide whether Addu should be governed by separate councils.

He made the announcement during the ninth episode of Rayyithunaa Eku (“With the Citizens”), a podcast published by the President’s Office.

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The President said he recognised the need to reconsider how Addu City was established as a single council and added that the issue first came to his attention during his visit to Addu in the previous presidential campaign. He noted that he had pledged to provide a lasting solution to the aspirations of the Addu community.

According to President Muizzu, the decision must be made before the Elections Commission begins preparations for next year’s local council elections. He stressed that the choice lies with the residents of Addu and that he would not act without their input.

“We are inquiring if the council should be established as distinct entities or not. If it should be Hithadhoo Council in Hithadhoo, or Hithadhoo City Council?” he said.

The referendum will allow residents to decide whether each island in Addu should have its own council or whether the current Addu City Council will remain in place. President Muizzu confirmed that voting and results will be completed next month.

He said the establishment of separate councils could support development across the atoll in line with the needs of its residents. Highlighting concerns raised by locals, he noted accounts of neglect in Hulhudhoo-Meedhoo and similar issues voiced by residents of Feydhoo.

President Muizzu said the referendum will ensure that decisions reflect the preferences of Addu’s residents.

This marks the first public vote since the Referendum Act was ratified yesterday.