After months of acrimonious debate between the Maldivian government and opposition, the Constitutional Assembly, has approved a new Constitution, paving the way for the country’s first multi-party election to be held on October 10.

 It would now go before President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom for approval and gazetting, Maldivian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Ali Hussein Didi said. "The new Constitution would come into effectbefore the end of May 2008. It will replace the one enacted in January 1998."

Despite MDP attempts to orchestrate violence and portray a negative image of the country, the government is determined to hold a free and fair presidential election on October 10, he said. "The United Nations and European Union would be invited to monitor the poll. Clashes involving street thugs and drug addicts cannot be blamed on the government."     

Didi said that provisions aimed at good governance and rule of law require the establishment of interim Judicial Service, Elections and Anti Corruption Commissions within thirty days of the new constitution becoming law and an interim Supreme Court within 45 days. "Members of the interim Elections Commission must be proposed by political parties and adopted by the current parliament."

Proper Judicial Service, Elections and Anti Corruption Commissions have to be in place within sixty days of the new Constitution being enacted, while the interim Supreme Court will continue as the apex body until a Supreme Court proper is empanelled, he said.

"There will be no interim administration and President Gayoom will continue in office until November 11,2008 when the new president elect would be sworn in for a five year term. The present parliament will function until March 2009, after which elections will be held."