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, the citizens would 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.
