Addu Council compilation referendum to be held on October 25

Elections Commission has scheduled for October 25 the referendum in Addu City to decide whether separate councils will be formed for the islands. 

The Elections Commission announced that a referendum to gather public opinion from residents of Hulhudhoo, Meedhoo and Feydhoo - on questions raised in the presidential resolution concerning Addu City council compilation - will take place on Saturday, October 25, from 8am to 4pm.

Vote counting will commence 30 minutes after polls are closed, the Elections Commission said. Official results are to be announced on Sunday.

The referendum will decide whether individual councils should be formed for Addu Feydhoo, Addu Hulhudhoo and Addu Meedhoo. Voters will also detemine whether Addu Hulhudhoo and Addu Meedhoo should be jointly governed under a single body - the Addu Hulhumeedhoo Council. 

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has stated that the government will remain impartial in regards to this referendum, and that there is no particular preferred outcome. 

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu initially announced this referendum on September 17 on the president's podcast.

The President said then that the views of Addu residents need to be sought ahead of the Elections Commission conducting administrative work for the Local Council Elections scheduled for next year. He asserted that the decision lies in the hands of the people of Addu, assuring no action will be taken without first gathering their views.