President amends Addu referendum questions, removes joint council option for Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has issued a new Presidential Decree amending the referendum questions concerning the jurisdictional composition of Addu City Council. The revision removes the option for voters in Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo to consider forming a joint council, narrowing the scope of the upcoming vote to the establishment of separate councils for each island.

The first Presidential Decree No. 27/2025, issued on October 6, proposed two questions for Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo residents, one about forming separate councils and another about forming a joint council.

On October 12, a new decree was issued based on Cabinet advice, amending the referendum format. The revised decree removed the joint council question, leaving only one question per island about forming a separate council.

This change was made under Article 115 of the Constitution and Section 4 of the Public Referendum Act. 

Under the revised format, voters in Hulhudhoo, Meedhoo, and Feydhoo will each be asked a single question:

• Hulhudhoo: Should a separate council be established for Addu Hulhudhoo?
• Meedhoo: Should a separate council be established for Addu Meedhoo?
• Feydhoo: Should a separate council be established for Addu Feydhoo?

President Muizzu has emphasized that the government will remain neutral and implement the outcome decided by the majority of voters. “There is no particular outcome preferred by the government,” he stated on social media, reaffirming that the administration will respect the public’s decision.

The referendum is scheduled for October 25, with polling open from 08:00 to 16:00. Vote counting will begin 30 minutes after polls close, according to the Elections Commission.

The referendum has sparked debate in Addu. Hithadhoo Central PNC Member Ahmed Azaan Marzooq has publicly urged residents to vote against the creation of separate councils, arguing that fragmentation could hinder development efforts.

This will be the first referendum conducted under the newly enacted Public Referendum Act, and its outcome may reshape local governance in Addu City.