The first multi party election in the Maldives will be held in October under a new Constitution,  which is in the final stages of being approved by the Special Majlis (Constitutional Assembly).

 Maldivian political sources said it was a matter of time before a new Constitution was enacted, as the ruling Dhivehi Raiyyithunge Party (DRP), had the required majority in the Special Majlis.

 "President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom will seek reelection for a seventh term under a new Constitution, which will replace the one enacted in January 1998."

 However, a spokesman for the Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), said that Gayoom’s future still revolved around interpretation of the two term limit on the Presidency in the Transitional Chapter. "We will pursue the matter through the Supreme Court due to be created under a new Constitution," he said.

 Opposition political parties including the MDP, have called for a transitional government in the run up to the Presidential Election, likely to be held a month ahead of the November 11, scheduled date. But, it has been rejected by the Government saying "all checks and balances will be in place for the conduct of a free and fair poll once a new Constitution is enacted."

The Maldivian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka, Ali Hussein Didi said his government despite having majorities in both the Special Majlis and Peoples Majlis (Parliament), did not want to steamroller legislation. "We respect the right of the Opposition to dissent and have also put up with periodic disruption of proceedings in both houses. This proves our commitment to the democratic process. Otherwise a new Constitution could have been enacted by now," he said.