Press Statement: Public Referendum in Addu City

A public referendum scheduled for October 25, 2025 in Addu City to determine the jurisdictional composition of the City Council has been rushed, raising concerns about fairness and transparency. The referendum is under the Public Referendum Act (Law No. 15/2025) ratified on 16 September 2025, involving registered voters from Hulhudhoo, Meedhoo, and Feydhoo constituencies. Announced on October 6 and amended on October 12, it offers inadequate time for public awareness. Concerns include restriction of voting to certain constituencies, exclusion of residents from Hithadhoo, Maradhoo, and Maradhoo Feydhoo, and vote boxes only in Addu and Male', making it inaccessible to eligible voters in other atolls, resorts, and foreign countries.

A public referendum scheduled for October 25, 2025 in Addu City to determine the jurisdictional composition of the City Council has been rushed, raising concerns about fairness and transparency. The referendum is under the Public Referendum Act (Law No. 15/2025) ratified on 16 September 2025, involving registered voters from Hulhudhoo, Meedhoo, and Feydhoo constituencies. Announced on October 6 and amended on October 12, it offers inadequate time for public awareness. Concerns include restriction of voting to certain constituencies, exclusion of residents from Hithadhoo, Maradhoo, and Maradhoo Feydhoo, and vote boxes only in Addu and Male', making it inaccessible to eligible voters in other atolls, resorts, and foreign countries.

A public referendum scheduled for October 25, 2025 in Addu City to determine the jurisdictional composition of the City Council has been rushed, raising concerns about fairness and transparency. The referendum is under the Public Referendum Act (Law No. 15/2025) ratified on 16 September 2025, involving registered voters from Hulhudhoo, Meedhoo, and Feydhoo constituencies. Announced on October 6 and amended on October 12, it offers inadequate time for public awareness. Concerns include restriction of voting to certain constituencies, exclusion of residents from Hithadhoo, Maradhoo, and Maradhoo Feydhoo, and vote boxes only in Addu and Male', making it inaccessible to eligible voters in other atolls, resorts, and foreign countries.

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