In a sweeping overhaul of the Maldives' administrative framework, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has formally established the Secretariat of the Addu Meedhoo Council and the Secretariat of the Addu Hulhudhoo Council, restructuring the governance landscape of Addu Atoll.
The changes, which took effect on 17 May, were announced through a directive issued by the President's Office, marking a significant milestone in the nation's decentralisation reform efforts.
The directive implements measures outlined in the Presidential Decrees, which previously established separate island councils for Addu Meedhoo and Addu Hulhudhoo. Prior to this restructuring, these areas operated under the unified Addu City Council framework. Under the new arrangement, the Addu City Council will now comprise the four islands of Hithadhoo, Maradhoo, Maradhoo-Feydhoo, and Feydhoo, with its Secretariat restructured accordingly to reflect this updated composition.
To ensure clarity and consistency in official communications, the directive has assigned specific reference numbers to the newly established administrative bodies. The Secretariat of the Addu Meedhoo Council has been assigned reference number 1140, while the Secretariat of the Addu Hulhudhoo Council has received reference number 1141. These identifiers will be used in all official documentation and government correspondence pertaining to the respective councils.
The administrative restructuring extends beyond Addu Atoll, with a separate directive also announcing the abolition of the Haa Dhaalu Atoll Hirimaradhoo Council and its accompanying Secretariat. More significantly, the directive provides for the dissolution of all Atoll Councils and Atoll Council Secretariats across the Maldives, effective 17 May, in accordance with the 17th Amendment to the Decentralisation Act.
The amendment mandates that Atoll Councils shall be dissolved upon the assumption of office by councillors elected in the first local council election held following the ratification of the amendment. This provision represents a fundamental shift in the Maldives' administrative hierarchy, consolidating governance at the island and city council levels while eliminating the intermediate atoll-tier administration that has historically played a key role in local governance structures.