Ithuru Vaahaka
Episode 13: Breaking up Addu – what's at stake in the referendum
Ahead of tomorrow’s referendum, Addu leaders are divided over whether the atoll should remain a city or return to individual island councils.
24 Oct, 3:45 PM
As Addu voters prepare to head to the polls, tensions rise over what’s at stake in tomorrow’s referendum.
Meedhoo MP Abdul Rahman (Adhdhu) supports separation from the City Council, arguing each island should regain autonomy. Meanwhile, outspoken Ahmed Marzooq, ex football star from Addu says voters haven’t been given enough time or information to make an informed choice.
Addu City Mayor Ali Nizar calls the vote a political manoeuvre — one that risks fragmenting Addu’s collective voice and weakening its influence on national decisions.
In this week’s Ithuru Vaahaka, we unpack the competing visions for Addu’s governance, what the referendum really means for decentralisation, and how the outcome could reshape local power across the Maldives.
0:50 - Invasion
2:00 - “The Hithadhoo Raskan”
2:50 - The numbers
3:40 - The composition
4:20 - Enduring the inefficiency
5:20 - Marey’s complaint
6:20 - The Learned Adduans
7:05 - Divide and Rule!
8:30 - The Bridging Policy
9:35 - The facts and figures
10:30 - Council formation and challenges
11:30 -The rationale for a city council
12:55 - Specially commissioned projects
14:00 - A cohesive, inclusive, development plan
15:00 - “Everything will have to be spent on recurrent expenditure”
15:30 - Legal provisions
16:40 - The collective voice and punching power
17:20 - Start of a “fitna”
Discussion
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!
No comments yet. Be the first to join the conversation!
Join the Conversation
Sign in to share your thoughts under an alias and take part in the discussion. Independent journalism thrives on open, respectful debate — your voice matters.
