London: Britain welcomed today the results of the first multi-party election in the Maldives, voicing London s backing for continuing democratic reforms in the Indian Ocean tourist destination.

The comments came after Mohamed "Anni" Nasheed, a former political prisoner, collected 54.21 per cent of the poll, defeating the incumbent president, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, who secured 45.79 per cent.

"I welcome the acceptance by the candidates and their respective parties of the results of this first and historic multi-party presidential election under Maldives new constitution," said Lord Mark Malloch-Brown, British minister for Africa, Asia and the UN.

"The UK will continue to support the reform process in Maldives," he added, wishing the new president "every success in addressing the important challenges that lie ahead."

Gayoom, 71,who ruled the Maldives unchallenged since 1978,had over a period of six years repeatedly jailed Nasheed, a former Amnesty International "prisoner of conscience."

Malloch-Brown, a former UN official, added: "I also wish to pay tribute to the outgoing president... Who has successfully led the country into this period of democratic reform."
Source : PTI