MALE, Maldives, Jan. 24 (UPI) -- In the Maldives, where political parties are banned and the president has held power since 1978, two opposition candidates have won seats in Parliament.
"It is a great day for democracy," said chief government spokesman Ahmed Shaheed, indicating that the Male vote was "a clear indication that the election was free and fair. There was no vote tampering or any other irregularities."
Both opposition candidates, Ibrahim Ismail and Mohamed Shihab, were endorsed by the Maldivian Democratic Party, which is based in Sri Lanka.
With no parties allowed, all 149 candidates for the 42-seat assembly ran as independents.
The election was delayed for three weeks by the Asian tsunami, in which 82 Maldivian citizens were killed.
Voting took place Saturday, but spilled over to Sunday because of a shortage of ballot papers in some areas. Final results will be confirmed Tuesday.
President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, who holds executive power and is Asia's longest-serving political leader, has promised political changes.
He has said he will allow political parties but that the necessary constitutional amendments are still being discussed.
