Maldives election: Amid rigging fears, authorities assure free, fair polls

Opposition activists have voiced fears that the polls may be rigged to favour President Yameen Abdul Gayoom's party

Opposition supporters in the Maldives are demanding that officials ensure a free and fair presidential election, as the country prepares to vote in an election seen as a referendum on whether democracy will stay.

The archipelago nation's election chief, Ahmed Shareef, said Saturday that all measures have been taken to hold Sunday's election in a free and fair manner and without violence.

Still, opposition activists voiced fears that the polls may be rigged to favour President Yameen Abdul Gayoom's party.

Beyond the postcard image the Maldives has of luxury resorts and white sand beaches, the 400,000 citizens of the former British protectorate have struggled to maintain the democratic system established in 2008.