Addu Referendum: Hulhudhoo, Meedhoo Break Away, Feydhoo Remains Under City Council

A referendum held today in Addu City has resulted in a significant restructuring of local governance, with the islands of Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo voting in favour of creating separate island councils, while Feydhoo opted to remain under the existing Addu City Council. 

The referendum, conducted under the newly enacted Public Referendum Act and overseen by the Elections Commission of Maldives, saw approximately 9,576 eligible voters across the three island constituencies. 

In the detailed results:

• Meedhoo registered the strongest support for separation, with around 84% voting “Yes”. 

• Hulhudhoo followed, with about 67% voting to separate. 

• Feydhoo voters decisively rejected separation, with roughly 74% voting “No”. 

The citywide outcome signals a new chapter in Addu City’s administrative structure: two of its island districts will now move ahead with autonomy via independent island councils, while Feydhoo will continue under the broader city-council model.

Proponents of the split argued that separate councils would enable better decision-making and faster development tailored to each island’s needs. Opponents, however, cautioned that the fragmentation could raise costs, complicate governance, and reduce cohesion across the city region. 

The Elections Commission expects to publish the full official breakdown and any required next-steps in the coming days. This referendum marks the first of its kind in the Maldives under the new law governing public votes on local administrative matters.

As Addu City transitions into this new phase, attention will now turn to how the two newly authorised councils will be formed, how budgets and governance structures will be divided, and whether the remaining city administration will adapt to the changed composition.