Another fairytale election

Amid the rush to recognise the historical significance of election of first black president of the US, another election, equally momentous in its own way, took place in the Maldives. It was the stuff of democratic fairy tale, as Asia's longest-serving leader was ousted in a credible election by a human rights campaigner and former political prisoner. 

The deposed leader, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, is not especially well known, largely because his brand of political repression was never especially newsworthy. His rule was cold rather than hot; it gradually wore down his people rather than inspired them to rebellion. He wasn't especially barbaric and he didn't court the media. Nevertheless, to oppose him was illegal, he had a despot's coterie of familiars and he was frequently suspected of helping himself to the country's profits from tourism. He has even been accused, albeit quietly, of embezzling over $35m of aid destined to help the victims of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. 

Gayoom was a dictator, but he was not afflicted with the malady most common to his peers, a sense of invincibility. He responded to a series of street protests in 2003 by lifting the ban on opposition parties, committing himself to a new constitution and promising the country multi-party elections. He also had the sense to know when the game was up. Defeated by 54% to 46% in a second round run-off, Gayoom accepted the end of his presidency with good grace. The generosity of his opponent, Mohammed Nasheed, commonly known as Anni, pledged to provide Gayoom with a pension for his retirement. This, despite the fact that Anni was imprisoned and tortured by the Gayoom regime. 

Anni's victory was greeted by dancing in the streets of the capital, Male, but once the euphoria has worn off, the new president faces a difficult challenge to maintain his momentum. His supporters are an unwieldy mix of all those who were denied political representation in the Gayoom era, from young liberals to religious conservatives. They may be united in their dislike for Gayoom, but they are unlikely to agree on the direction of social reform.  The economy, heavily dependent on foreign tourist receipts, is likely to suffer in the light of the ongoing global financial crisis. He must also address the inequalities that have made the country the richest per head in the region while leaving one-third of its children malnourished. 

For now, there is much to celebrate in the Maldives, but there is also much work to be done.