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Election Date: October 16, 2003

At stake: President

Background

Maldives encompasses more than a thousand tiny islands in the Indian Ocean. The British protectorate became independent in 1965, and has functioned as a parliamentary republic where political parties are outlawed.

While the government has developed many areas for tourism, inhabited islands remain mostly off-limits for visitors, in an effort to preserve the traditionally Islamic communities. The country's per capita income of $2,280 U.S. is one of the highest in South Asia.

2003 Presidential Election

Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has been the country's president since 1978. Maldives has mostly remained stable, with the exception of an attempted coup in 1988. Gayoom has repeatedly campaigned in favour of the Kyoto Accord, as the islands face the danger of being wiped out by rising sea levels.

The political system calls for the legislative branch to select a single presidential candidate, whose name is then put to the voters—adults over the age of 21—in a referendum. On Sept. 27, all 50 members of the Assembly backed the 64-year-old Gayoom.

Since 1998, Gayoom has faced international pressure to democratize the country. While human rights groups such as Amnesty International have long been critical of the Maldives government for its crackdown on political activity, the weeks leading up to the presidential referendum brought a new level of dissent to the usually peaceful islands.

In late September, a series of anti-government demonstrations escalated into riots in Male, after three inmates—allegedly incarcerated for opposing the regime—died in custody. Gayoom promised a full investigation, but denied reports that hundreds of protesters had been detained.

On Oct. 17, no violent incidents were reported as the electorate headed to the polls. Final tallies indicate 90.28 per cent of voters supported giving the president a new five-year term. In Male, Gayoom received 68.6 per cent of the vote.

Political Players

President: Maumoon Abdul Gayoom

The president is chosen by the Assembly and then elected to a five-year term in a popular referendum.

Legislative Branch: The Majlis (People's Assembly) has 50 members. 42 members are elected to five-year terms in one eight-seat and 19 two-seat constituencies, and eight members are appointed by the president.

Results of Last Election:

Presidential Referendum - Oct. 17, 2003

Should incumbent president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom be granted another five-year term as president?

Only independent candidates were elected. Turnout was tabled at 77.4 per cent.

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