Colombo: Maldives opposition leaders demanded
President Mohamed Nasheed`s resignation and new elections
on Thursday in a deepening power struggle between the executive and
Parliament.
The government in the Indian Ocean archipelago has been
stuck in a stalemate since the 13-member Cabinet resigned
Tuesday, accusing the opposition-controlled Parliament of
blocking every legislative initiative.
"The only solution is for President Nasheed to resign and
go for fresh elections to see how popular his government is,"
said Umar Naseer, deputy leader of the main opposition Dhivehi
Raithunge Party.
Nasheed took power in the country`s first democratic
elections two years ago.
A government official rejected the opposition demand,
saying Nasheed planned to serve his five-year term. The
official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not
authorised to speak to reporters.
Nasheed has become well known internationally for his
calls for immediate, strong action to tackle climate change,
which threatens to swamp the country of 1,192 low-lying coral
islands.
The government has accused the opposition of trying to
bribe independent lawmakers in Parliament to block government
projects.
Police arrested two prominent opposition leaders Tuesday
on corruption allegations.
PTI
