October 11 (HNS) – An overwhelmingly high number of 85 islands rejected government’s proposal to consolidate islands and to create city councils at Saturday’s public referendum, Elections Commission announced Sunday.
According to the official results of the referendum held in 105 islands, only 20 islands backed the government’s proposal.
Haa Alif atoll Baarah and Thakandhu, Haa Dhaal atoll Finey, Shaviyani atoll Fonadhoo and Milandhoo, Noonu atoll Kendhikulhudhoo, Raa atoll Inguraidhoo and Rasgethymu, Baa atoll Dharavandhu and Goidhu, Alif Alif atoll Mathiveri, Alif Dhaal atoll Maamingili and Omadu, Faaf atoll Magoodhoo and Laam atoll Hithadhoo supported the proposal.
Only Haa Dhaal atoll Kulhudhuffushi islanders supported creating a city by grouping Nolhivaranfaru, Nolhivaram and Kumundoo.
Addu atoll Hithadhoo, Hulhudhoo, Maradhoo and Maradhoo-Feydhoo favoured creating a city in the atoll, while Feydhoo and Meedhoo rejected the plan.
Meanwhile, Laam atoll Hithadhoo islanders equally accepted and rejected government’s consolidation plan by 215-215.
The government and the opposition Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) earlier agreed that islands would only be grouped if majority votes were received in favour. However, majority votes were not received from any island. The agreement also stipulates that if majority votes were not received from two out of the three islands planned for grouping, only the island agreeing to the plan with majority votes would be consolidated.
Of 88,882 eligible voters, only 26,676 participated in the Rf11 million referendum.
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