President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced that a referendum will be held in Addu City this October to decide whether the city should maintain its single city council or form separate councils for individual islands.
The president made the announcement on his official podcast, explaining that the decision stemmed from repeated calls by Addu residents for changes in how the city is governed. Muizzu said the issue was first raised during his presidential campaign visit to Addu, where locals expressed frustration with the current system.
Residents to Choose Between Unified or Separate Councils
According to Muizzu, the referendum will present two clear options: keeping Addu City Council as it is today or restructuring it into separate councils for each island.
"Whether they want an Addu Feydhoo Council or to keep it as it is — that is the choice before the people," Muizzu said. "We are putting Addu in front of the name. I don’t want Addu’s identity to be omitted in any changes. So, for example, Addu Maradhoo or Addu Maradhoo-Feydhoo, with a council for each of these areas."
He also noted that Hithadhoo could potentially have its own body under the name Hithadhoo City Council if residents support the idea.
October Deadline for Results
President Muizzu stressed the urgency of holding the referendum before the Elections Commission begins preparations for next year’s Local Council Elections. He set October as the deadline for both the vote and the announcement of results.
"The decision must come directly from the people of Addu. No step will be taken without first gathering their views," he assured.
Concerns Driving the Proposal
The president highlighted growing dissatisfaction among island communities within Addu, particularly Hulhumeedhoo and Feydhoo.
"A very real concern I hear is that Hulhumeedhoo feels neglected. Because it is geographically separate from the connected islands, residents believe they are not given due attention. I have also heard similar frustrations from Feydhoo," he said.
Muizzu argued that forming separate councils could ensure each island receives the representation and resources it needs, ultimately aligning governance more closely with the wishes of Addu’s people.
The upcoming referendum is expected to be a pivotal moment for Addu, which has long debated whether a unified city council can effectively serve its diverse and geographically spread-out communities. By placing the decision directly in the hands of residents, the government aims to deliver what Muizzu described as a “permanent solution” in line with public demand.
