2005 Maldivian parliamentary election

none Maldives 1999 2009 22 January 2005 42 of the 50 seats in the People's Majlis yes yes Pro-government no 32.29 20 MDP-endorsed 31.10 18 Independents 36.61 4 Parliamentary elections were held in the Maldives on 22 January 2005. At the time of the elections political parties were banned, so all candidates ran as independents. Supporters of President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom emerged as the largest group in the People's Majlis. Background The elections were originally planned for 31 December 2004, but were postponed following the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami on 25 December which severely affected the islands.Elections held in 2004 IPU Campaign Whilst all 149 candidates ran as independents, their political affiliation were well known. Conduct Twenty opposition supporters were arrested on election day after recording election officials attempting to close a polling station whilst there were still voters waiting to cast their vote. Results Supporters of the Government emerged as the largest group in the People's Majlis, although the exact numbers were unclear; the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party claimed government supporters had won only 22 seats to their 18, whilst the government claimed to have 30 MPs and the MDP only eight. The International Foundation for Electoral Systems and the Minivan Daily reported that pro-Government candidates won 20 seats.Election Profile IFESRepublic of the Maldives legislative election of 22 January 2005 Adam Carr File:2005 Maldivian parliamentary election results.svg Supporters of the Government 71558 20 Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party Endorsed by the Maldivian Democratic Party 68931 18 Independents 81125 4 Presidential appointees 8 156267 IFES Aftermath Following the elections, political parties were legalised on 2 July 2005. References Category:Elections in the Maldives Maldives Parliamentary election Maldives Category:Election and referendum articles with incomplete results