Maldives seeks India's help for developing democracy

New Delhi, Oct 27 (UNI) Maldives has sought India's assistance for ushering in multi-party democracy in the island nation before the 2008 general elections.

Maldivian Foreign Minister Dr Ahmed Shaheed, who is in India for discussions with Indian leaders, sought New Delhi's assistance for developing its electoral system, strengthening human rights safeguards, training of police and law enforcement agencies and developing a civil society.

The Minister met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and handed over to him a letter from Maldivian President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.

He also met External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee and Foreign Secretary Shiv Shankar Menon.

Fearing that the island nation, which is the smallest pre-dominantly Muslim nation in the world, could embrace 'Shariat', the Minister said the Gayoom government had always tried to combine tradition and modernity.

A special vote in the Majlis (Maldivian Parliament) in 1997 had proved that 36 out of 70 members voted in favour of the 'Shariat'.

It was put to re-vote and the number came down from 36 to 20, he said.

''It is still alarming,'' he added.

About the government's negotiations with the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), Mr Shaheed said they (the MDP) had to follow the rule of law before any conclusion could be landed at.

He said the MDP had planned to gherao the Majlis on November 10, a day before the Maldivian Republic Day on November 11.

He, however, denied that he had come to India to seek assistance to thwart the MDP move.

Describing India as a ''tried and tested friend in time of difficulties,'' the Maldivian Foreign Minister said ''whatever Maldives requires, India has''.

UNI RB RR BS1941