Former Vice President of the Election Commission Ahmed Akram has said the low voter turnout in the Addu City referendum reflects how unprepared the relevant institutions were for the polls.
In a post on X, Akram said the lack of adequate information and public awareness efforts contributed to the low participation rate. He added that if proper preparations had been made, voter turnout would have been higher, stressing the importance of addressing such issues in future elections.
According to the Election Commission, 4,510 people — 47.1 percent of eligible voters — participated in the referendum, while 5,066, or 52.9 percent, did not vote.
The referendum was held to determine whether Hulhudhoo, Meedhoo, and Feydhoo should be separated administratively from the Addu City Council.
In a post on X, Akram said the lack of adequate information and public awareness efforts contributed to the low participation rate. He added that if proper preparations had been made, voter turnout would have been higher, stressing the importance of addressing such issues in future elections.
According to the Election Commission, 4,510 people — 47.1 percent of eligible voters — participated in the referendum, while 5,066, or 52.9 percent, did not vote.
The referendum was held to determine whether Hulhudhoo, Meedhoo, and Feydhoo should be separated administratively from the Addu City Council.
