Maldives ruler loses in first free poll

[Coventina]

Source: Financial Times

The leader of the Maldives for 30 years has lost the Islamic republic's first democratic election to a charismatic activist his government has jailed repeatedly.

President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom conceded defeat early yesterday to Mohamed Nasheed, whose political career was forged protesting human rights abuses.

Mr Gayoom, 71, who had been accused of dictatorial tendencies, told the press: "I accepted the will of the people. I have conceded the elections."

Mr Nasheed, 41, had secured 54 per cent of the vote to Mr Gayoom's 46 per cent, with more than 86 per cent of the country's 200,000-strong electorate turning out.



Read more: http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/ebe28798-a622-11dd-9d26-000077b07658.html

[Lautremont]

1. Excellent news.

[Javaman]

2. how long till Gayoom crushes his opponent?

I feel a mugabe coming on...