The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) has confirmed that Saturday’s referendum in Addu City was conducted peacefully, while identifying shortcomings in accessibility for voters with disabilities.
The vote centred on the administrative future of the islands of Feydhoo, Hulhudhoo, and Meedhoo, asking residents to decide whether to remain under the shared governance of the Addu City Council or to establish independent local councils for each island.
In its post-referendum statement, the HRCM underscored its statutory mandate under the Human Rights Commission Act to monitor the protection of human rights during public processes. Its review focused on ensuring that the vote was free, fair, transparent, and credible, with particular attention to the integrity of direct citizen participation.
The commission reported that the voting process across the three islands was largely peaceful and orderly. It commended the Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM) for facilitating a secure and well-managed referendum, and acknowledged the support of the Maldives Police Service in maintaining public order.
Voter participation was also recognised, with the rights body praising the civic engagement demonstrated throughout the day. The ECM’s logistical arrangements were credited with contributing to the smooth conduct of the vote.
Despite the overall success, the commission identified areas requiring improvement. Several voting centres, it noted, lacked adequate infrastructure to ensure accessible entry and exit for individuals with disabilities. Administrative arrangements in certain locations were also found to be insufficient, prompting calls for enhanced planning in future electoral exercises.
Provisional results have since been announced, revealing divergent outcomes across the islands. A majority of voters in Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo supported the formation of separate island councils, while the majority in Feydhoo opted to remain within the existing Addu City Council framework.