Pizzas galore!

2 for 1 at Pizza Express

Navigation - link to other main sections from here

Skip Navigation

From The Sunday Times
August 19, 2007

Maldives poll

Dean Nelson

Votes were being counted last night in the Maldives in a referendum that could signal the end for one of Asia’s longest-serving and most repressive leaders.

President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, a friend of the late Saddam Hussein, has ruled the thousand-island state in the Indian Ocean with an iron grip for 29 years.

Yesterday, voters were deciding whether to adopt a new parliamentary democracy, backed by opposition politicians, or a modified presidential system, supported by Gayoom.

The ageing autocrat was forced to accept a multiparty system after antigovernment riots shook his regime in 2004 but the referendum is regarded as the first significant test of Gayoom’s popularity.

Bookmark and Share

Also in Asia News

Also in World News

in depth

Orange jumpsuit

World Agenda

Times experts explain the issues behind the headlines

Sign Up

Bulletins

Free news bulletin direct to your inbox

Robot exhibition 2009

An employee of UK robot maker Shadow Robot Company wearing a data glove called CyberGlove, developed by CyberGlove

In time of recession, the robots are really taking over

Slide Show

Yemen

A boy who fled fighting between militants and government forces in a refugee camp near the town of Hadja, north west Yemen

Times photographer David Bebber in a nation coping with fallout from civil war

Slide Show

Most Read

Skip Most Read

Today

MOST COMMENTED

Skip Editor's Pick

Today

MOST CURIOUS

Skip Most Curious

Today

Focus Zone

accenture

Need to Know:

Industry sectors news at a glance. Interactive heatmap, video and podcast

ba business travel clouds

Business Travel:

Everything the Business Traveller needs to know to make a better trip

Winter Sports

Winter Sports:

Get ready for the winter sports season, with our resort guides and snow reports

lloyds

Mapping Business:

We are backing British business, what is the confidence of the nation and what businesses are succeeding?

Shell

The Future of Energy:

Growing demand for energy, oil that is harder to reach and the rise of carbon dioxide emissions. We examine the energy challenge

high-speed trains

Europe by Train:

With rail travel in Europe on the rise, we review the benefits of travelling by train

Dinner party

My Dinner Party:

In this special section we explore new food trends to help improve your dinner party and impress guests

More Reports

More reports:

Enjoy further reading from Travel to Fashion, Business to Sport, discover more

previous next
The Singapore skyline pictured at night

Business city guides

Overseas contacts and local business information

Fantasy Football

Fantasy Football

Sign up for free and get your mates involved today

Money symbol on computer key

Find an IFA

Find a local independent financial advisor

crossword with Cross fountain pen.

Crossword Club

Sign up today or try one of our free demo crosswords

Generic photo of a job interview.

Free CV Review

Sell yourself! Have your CV reviewed by experts

Financial Brochures

A lawyer with gown and wig

Find a Lawyer

Cut your legal costs

Popular Searches on Times Online

2010 movies | books | copenhagen 2009 | crosswords | fashion | formula 1 | mortgages | obituaries | pensions | property | recipes | redundancy calculator | savings | sudoku | twitter | university guide | wine

Shortcuts to help you find sections and articles

Classifieds 

Cars

Skip Cars of the Week

Ferrari F355 F1

1998
£47,955

Virgin Car Insurance

12 months for the price of 11 and a 5% discount.
Offer ends 31/11/09

Apply for car finance?

Check your free Experian credit report before applying


Jobs

Skip Jobs of the Week
Director of Operations – UK

£100,000
Barnardos
UK

Consulting Roles All Levels

PwC’s Consulting practice helps businesses of all shapes and sizes work smarter and grow faster
PwC

Chair of the British Library

£37,000
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
London

Member of the BBC Trust

Currently £36,285
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
London

Properties

Eager to get on the property ladder?

Find out about shared ownership.

Looking for a Mortgage?

See your free Experian credit report beforehand

Holidays

Skip Travel of the Week

Hong Kong, Bangkok, Phuket & Dubai from only £1199!

Includes flights, accommodation with room upgrades, transfers city tours in Hong Kong and Bangkok.
PremierHolidays.co.uk

Ski Weekend Specialists since 1986

For your ultimate tailor-made ski holiday, click here


Great Travel Insurance

Get covered on your travels with a superb range of policies at great prices. Visit InsureandGo.com


Fabulous Villas in Barbados

World Class Golf, Spa and preferential Beach Club.  Private estate overlooking West Coast
Villas from £275 per night inclusive of Golf

Place your advert now