The Cabinet has given the green light to hold a public referendum to decide on potential changes to Addu City’s jurisdiction, following a petition from residents seeking adjustments to the city council’s structure.
The decision, taken in line with the Public Referendum Act, paves the way for voters to determine whether separate councils should be established for Addu Feydhoo, Addu Hulhudhoo, and Addu Meedhoo. Residents will also decide if Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo should be administered together under a single Addu Hulhumeedhoo Council.
According to government officials, the referendum will be open to all registered voters within the constituency and is expected to be held on either 24 or 25 October.
To ensure an informed decision-making process, the Cabinet also resolved to send a ministerial-level delegation, led by the Ministry of Cities, Local Government and Public Works, to engage with the community. Additionally, a technical team comprising experts familiar with Addu’s socio-economic and administrative landscape will be formed to assess the potential implications of any changes to the city’s governance structure.
The move marks a significant step in addressing long-standing calls from some Addu residents for greater autonomy in managing their local affairs.
