EC says Addu referendum efforts surpassed other small polls

The Election Commission (EC) says it undertook more outreach in Addu City’s recent referendum than in other small-scale elections, despite the short timeframe. EC Vice President Abdul Rahman Salah Rasheed made the remarks on Sunday, following Saturday’s vote in Hulhudhoo, Meedhoo, and Feydhoo.

Speaking to Sun, Salah said the commission fulfilled all responsibilities expected in a formal election. “We did the work we do in an election. I believe the commission did the work it should have done,” he said. “We conducted door-to-door flyer distribution in Addu. We held information sessions in Malé and on every island in Addu.”

Salah also addressed questions about using digital IDs or eFaas for voter identification. He clarified that the EC has no intention of introducing eFaas at this stage, citing accessibility concerns. “It is a service that cannot be used by everyone,” he said.

He added that legal and regulatory amendments would be required to enable digital voting, and that phones and tablets remain prohibited inside polling stations.

Saturday’s referendum saw Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo vote in favor of separating from Addu City Council, while Feydhoo voted against. As a result, Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo will establish independent island councils following next year’s local council elections.

According to provisional results announced by the EC:

• Feydhoo: 616 voted for separation, 1,784 against
• Meedhoo: 847 voted for separation, 144 against
• Hulhudhoo: 723 voted for separation, 329 against

Despite the outreach, voter turnout stood at just 47 percent, with 4,493 votes cast out of 9,576 eligible voters.