MALE, Maldives, June 2 (UPI) -- Maldives lawmakers voted unanimously Thursday to introduce multiparty democracy to the island nation.
Ahmed Shaheed, a spokesman for President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, who has been in power since 1978, said the nation could "look forward to an exciting political future," the BBC said.
Gayoom, who has until now banned political parties, has said he wants the system in the Indian Ocean nation in place by December.
The BBC reported, however, that ahead of the parliament's meeting, four leading dissidents were arrested for allegedly planning disruptions. Their supporters said, however, that its gathering would be peaceful.
Members of the Maldivian Democratic Party welcomed the decision, but criticized the arrests.
"We are very happy about the decision, but are unable to celebrate because of the arrest of our leader, Mohammed Nasheed," the group's treasurer Ahmed Mausoom told the BBC.
