ECM Schedules 25 October Referendum, Deploying 18 Ballot Boxes to Decide Governance of Hulhudhoo, Meedhoo and Feydhoo

The Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM) has confirmed the arrangements for a referendum in Addu City, which will determine whether the islands of Hulhudhoo, Meedhoo and Feydhoo establish separate councils or retain shared administrative structures. The commission has confirmed that 18 ballot boxes will be placed for the referendum scheduled for 25 October, with polling to run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

ECM President Mohamed Zahid confirmed the distribution plan during an appearance on PSM News’ 'Raajje Miadhu' programme. Five ballot boxes will be placed in Feydhoo, three in Hulhudhoo and three in Meedhoo. The remaining seven will be stationed in Malé for residents of the three islands who live in the capital and will be present there on polling day. Of these, three are designated for Feydhoo residents, three for Hulhudhoo residents and one for Meedhoo residents. Zahid noted that the referendum will be conducted under the same procedures and safeguards applied in national elections.

The vote was initiated by presidential decree following a resolution by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, who directed that specific questions be put to the residents of the three islands. In Hulhudhoo, voters will decide whether to establish a council solely for their island or to form a joint council with Meedhoo. In Meedhoo, residents will be asked to choose between creating a council exclusively for their island or joining Hulhudhoo under a single council. In Feydhoo, the question will be whether to establish a council dedicated specifically to that island.

The outcome of the referendum will determine whether the islands continue under unified governance or transition to independent councils. President Muizzu has pledged that the government will remain neutral in the process, while committing to implement whichever decision the electorate endorses.

Campaigning has been authorised in the lead-up to the vote, allowing political parties, associations, individuals and government entities to raise awareness and present their views. The campaign period will conclude at 6 p.m. on 24 October, the evening before polling begins.