Maldives prez signs deal to restore democracy

COLOMBO:The first democratically elected president of the Maldives said Saturday he signed an agreement with his one-time archrival and former strongman to try to restore democracy in the nation.

Former President Mohamed Nasheed said the immediate goal of the agreement, which was also signed by two opposition party leaders, is to form a majority in a parliament now controlled by lawmakers supporting President Yameen Abdul Gayoom.

Nasheed said that as a result, they would be able to reform institutions like the elections commission and the judiciaryto enable a free and fair presidential election next year.

The 85-member parliament’s majority will be tested when a vote to oust the speaker is taken up on Monday. Currently there are 21 lawmakers supporting Nasheed and eight votes with the two other parties, which are party to the agreement.