Government announces that it will hold its first multi-party presidential elections

On 8 September 2008 the Maldivian government announced that it will hold its first multi-party presidential elections on 4 October 2008, pending the approval of the Parliament. President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom had already stated that he plans to run in the election, seeking a seventh consecutive term in office. The elections come after reforms were introduced to respond to criticisms that Gayoom had stifled democratic protests. An opposition leader and two former government ministers are expected to challenge Gayoom for the position.