President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has reiterated that the Government holds no preferred outcome in the upcoming referendum scheduled for Saturday, 25 October, in the Addu City islands of Feydhoo, Hulhudhoo, and Meedhoo. The vote will determine whether each island should establish its own local council, thereby restructuring the current Addu City Council.
Speaking during a community meeting in L. Fonadhoo as part of his ongoing tour of Hadhdhunmathi, President Muizzu emphasised that the referendum is being conducted in accordance with the law and in fulfilment of a campaign pledge made during the presidential election. He assured residents that the Administration will fully respect and implement the decision made by the people.
The referendum follows persistent calls from residents of the three islands for greater autonomy. A Presidential Decree issued earlier this month removed the option for Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo to form a joint council, narrowing the vote to a single question for each island regarding the formation of separate councils.
President Muizzu addressed misinformation surrounding the issue, clarifying that if the people vote in favour of forming independent councils, each newly established body will be granted full authority, independence, and its own budget allocation. Based on current population figures and block grant distribution criteria, the estimated annual budgets would be approximately MVR 25 million for Feydhoo, MVR 13–14 million for Hulhudhoo, and MVR 18 million for Meedhoo.
Polling will take place from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Saturday, with vote counting set to begin 30 minutes after the polls close.
The referendum is being held under the Public Referendum Act and Article 115 of the Constitution, marking a significant moment in the Maldives’ decentralisation efforts and allowing citizens to directly shape the governance of their communities.
