President Muizzu: Addu Referendum a Historic First

News

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has reaffirmed that the voices of citizens will guide decisions on administrative reforms, describing the forthcoming referendum on Addu City’s administrative zones as a historic step forward.

Speaking during the ninth episode of the Rayyithunnaa Eku podcast, the President recalled the concerns raised by Addu residents during his presidential campaign and highlighted his pledge to find sustainable solutions to long-standing governance issues in the southern city.

Under the decentralised governance framework, the President stressed, it would be citizens who ultimately determine how Addu City is administered. He confirmed that the Elections Commission will hold a referendum once the relevant bill is passed and ratified.

Scheduled for October, the referendum will decide whether each island in Addu Atoll should be renamed with the suffix “Addu” and elect its own Council, or whether the current Addu City Council will continue to administer all the islands collectively.

Hailing the vote as a significant milestone, President Muizzu said it underscores his administration’s commitment to people-centred governance.