Maldives ruler concedes defeat
The Maldives is a popular tourist destination
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Wednesday, 29, Oct 2008 09:01
Asia's longest-serving ruler has been ousted from power in the Maldives after the first contested election of his rule on Tuesday.
Maumoon Abdul Gayoom had been in power in the Indian Ocean archipelago state for 30 years but has now conceded defeat against a former political prisoner in the country.
Mohamed Nasheed took 54 per cent of the runoff vote compared to Mr Gayoom's 46 per cent.
It marks a turnaround from the first round vote, which Mr Gayoom won by a considerable margin. His failure to secure an outright majority and a string of failed opposition figureheads backing Mr Nasheed secured the turnaround.
The result prompted celebrations in Male as supporters of the Maldivian Democratic party flooded the streets.
Its vice president, Ibrahim Hussein Zaki, told the Reuters news agency: "It's a very happy result. It speaks for itself. It's the people's verdict.
"We are very happy that the president has peacefully conceded defeat."
Today's elections are the first contested vote in the Maldives since riots in Male in 2004, after which Mr Gayoom pledged to implement democratic reforms including multiparty elections.
According to the Press Trust of India news agency Mr Nasheed is set to be sworn in on November 11th, exactly 30 years since Mr Gayoom began his first term in 1978.