President Dr Mohamed Muizzu by a Presidential Decree has officially amended the list of the nation's inhabited islands to facilitate the ongoing resettlement of Hirimaradhoo residents to Hanimaadhoo in Haa Dhaalu Atoll.
The amendment ensures that the electoral rights of the relocated citizens are protected during the upcoming Local Council Elections where the decree directly addresses the administrative needs arising from the resettlement process, which will overlap with the election period.
In accordance with law, citizens in the process of being resettled are deemed to be electors of their new island. Consequently, the decree designates Hanimaadhoo as the electoral constituency for all Hirimaradhoo residents, enabling the Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM) to accurately prepare the Voters’ Registry for the polls scheduled for 4 April 2026.
This governmental action, taken under the authority of the Decentralisation Act, follows a request from Hirimaradhoo’s resident community for improved living conditions.
The Ministry of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure has stated that the project guarantees adequate housing and modern facilities for all residents resettled in Hanimaadhoo, ensuring no one is left without a home.
The move will be officially complete upon the government's announcement that all residents have been registered in Hanimaadhoo, at which point Hirimaradhoo will be declared uninhabited.