President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has affirmed that public opinion will be sought before introducing any amendments to laws, describing the referendum on Addu City’s administrative zones as a historic milestone.
Speaking in the ninth edition of the Rayyithunnaa Eku podcast, the President referred to the upcoming local council elections and the administrative measures that must be implemented by the Elections Commission to facilitate the vote.
Reflecting on concerns voiced by the residents of Addu City during his presidential campaign, the President recalled his pledge to find sustainable solutions to issues surrounding the formation of the atoll as a city. He reiterated that, under the decentralised system of governance, it would be the citizens who ultimately determine how the city is administered.
The President confirmed that the Elections Commission will hold a referendum once the relevant bill is passed and ratified. He explained that the October referendum would finalise a decision on whether to add the suffix “Addu” to each island in the atoll, and, consequently, whether each island should elect its own Council or whether the existing Addu City Council would continue to administer all islands, as is currently the case.
Hailing the referendum as a historic and significant vote, President Dr Muizzu said it underscored his administration’s commitment to a citizen-centric approach to governance.
He also reflected on efforts to safeguard the independence of the judiciary. Noting that the current system hampers its independent operations, he stated that amendments to next year’s budget would address this issue. A percentage of the budget, allocated as block grants, would be earmarked to ensure the judiciary’s independent functioning, with a significant share of funds dedicated to this purpose.
The President further addressed public concerns over the remuneration of former Presidents and Members of Parliament, noting that the existing arrangements were misaligned with the nation’s economic realities and required revision.
Highlighting other planned reforms, he pointed to amendments designed to provide larger budgets for Women’s Development Committees and adjustments to the block grant formula for Councils. He also emphasised changes to the operations of the State Trading Organisation (STO), aimed at ensuring the continuous supply of essential goods.