The Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM) has released the questions and accompanying information sheet for the upcoming referendum on the jurisdictional composition of Addu City, particularly concerning the constituencies of Hulhudhoo, Meedhoo, and Feydhoo, as amended by a decree issued by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.
On 5 October, the Cabinet approved administrative measures to conduct a referendum on the jurisdiction of Addu City, following a petition from some residents requesting changes to the composition of the Addu City Council. The decision was made in accordance with the Public Referendum Act. The following day, the President issued a Presidential Decree, declaring a public referendum to ascertain the views of residents regarding the jurisdictional composition of Addu City. The ECM will hold the referendum on 25 October in accordance with the decree.
A subsequent Presidential Decree, issued Sunday, modified the earlier decree. The revised questions to be posed in the referendum are as follows:
For the residents of Addu Hulhudhoo:
1. Should a separate council be established for Addu Hulhudhoo?
For the residents of Addu Meedhoo:
1. Should a separate council be established for Addu Meedhoo?
For the residents of Addu Feydhoo:
1. Should a separate council be established for Addu Feydhoo?
The ECM has publicised the President’s decree, the referendum questions, and information sheet in the Government Gazette. According to ECM, the referendum will be open to all registered voters within the relevant constituencies and is scheduled to take place on 25 October 2025. Voting will be conducted from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, with results expected to be announced the following day.