President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has stated that the Government holds no specific stance on the jurisdictional referendum taking place in Addu City later this month.

In a post shared on social media, President Dr Muizzu said the Administration does not favour any particular outcome and will fully implement the decision made by the majority of the people.

The referendum is being organised in response to long-standing calls from residents of three islands to determine whether they should remain under the current jurisdiction of Addu City or be granted a different administrative status. The Cabinet on Sunday approved for Ministry of Cities, Local Government and Public Works to oversee the referendum process to ensure residents are able to exercise their democratic choice.

The referendum is considered a pivotal moment for Addu, the country’s southernmost city, with the potential to reshape its governance structure depending on the result.