President Dr Mohamed Muizzu arrives in Hulhumeedhoo, Addu City: The President states if people were to choose forming separate councils in Addu City, each newly established council will be granted full authority, independence, and its own budget allocation. (Photo/President's Office)
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu states if people were to choose forming separate councils in Addu City, each newly established council will be granted full authority, independence, and its own budget allocation.
The President’s remark comes amid ahead of a public vote scheduled for Saturday, October 25, which will ask residents of Feydhoo, Hulhudhoo, and Meedhoo districts of Addu City whether they support forming separate councils for their islands. The referendum was announced by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on September 17, and is the first to be held under the newly enacted Public Referendum Act.
Speaking at a meeting with L. Fonadhoo residents on Monday as part of his ongoing tour of Laamu Atoll, President Muizzu reiterated that the government holds no preferred outcome for the upcoming referendum, adding it is being held to fulfill an electoral pledge he had made during his presidential campaign.
The President, citing change desired by the public can only be brought after seeking their opinion and within the confinements of law, said it is the wish of Addu City residents to have the opportunity to reach a decision.
He assured the government’s full support to whatever outcome of the referendum.
“Hence, the decision of these citizens is the decision of the government. What the government will support. The government has no preferred outcome in the matter,” he said.
President Muizzu attributed the misinformation concerning the matter as a deliberate attempt by certain people to construe the reality.
“If separate councils are formed [in Addu], each newly established council will be granted full authority. They will have a separate budget. At present, there a single budget for the whole city,” he explained.
On the contrary, he noted that, based on current population figures and other relevant factors used to determine block grant distribution, the estimated annual allocations would be approximately MVR 25 million for Feydhoo Council, MVR 13 million to 14 million for Hulhudhoo Council, and MVR 18 million for Meedhoo Council.
With the vote set for Saturday, debates are ongoing regarding question put forth in referendum. While some support the current composition of Addu City Council, citing there are no benefits from forming separate council, others wish to form separate councils.
Opposition MDP and some nongovernment organizations have expressed concern over the referendum, citing its rushed nature.