MDP urges against referendum without raising awareness on expected changes to Addu City

Main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has urged against holding the referendum on the composition of Addu City Council without raising awareness among the City’s residents regarding the expected changes.

The main opposition party, in a statement released on Tuesday, emphasized their support for the inclusion of residents' views and opinions on issues closely related to public and national interest.

However, the party expressed its view that any such initiative should aim to uphold the powers granted to citizens under Article 4 of the Maldivian Constitution.

On the contrary, MDP said the referendum on the composition of Addu City Council was announced without providing adequate time to review and debate on the referendum bill when it was submitted to the parliament.

The party cited this as proof of the government’s ill intention in the matter.

MDP highlighted that the current timeline for the Addu City referendum is insufficient to properly inform the public, raise awareness, and conduct a campaign, despite it being a highly important matter.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has stated that the government will remain neutral in the referendum which will be held at three Addu City districts, regarding the composition of Addu City Council.

MDP interpreted the government’s stand referendum as an effort without a clear purpose and a comprehensive plan.

“The purpose of doing such a thing at this time is to turn the citizens’ attention away from the fact that the standard of living of the citizens continues to deteriorate day by day due to the government’s failure to fulfill its pledges to the citizens, its incompetence, and lack of care for the citizens,” the statement read.

The main opposition party urged against holding the referendum without putting forth clear-cut questions on the matter the citizens’ opinion is being sought and without allowing sufficient time for citizens to consider the issue and engage in thorough discussions.

The referendum is scheduled for October 25^th.

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

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?