Maldive president wins record sixth term

A referendum in the Maldives has overwhelmingly backed the re-election of President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom for a record sixth term.

Official results of Friday's poll gave Mr Gayoom, who has governed the Maldives since 1978, more than 90% of the vote.

Turnout among the islands' 150,000 voters was 77%.

Last month, parliament unanimously chose him as the sole candidate.

Mr Gayoom's referendum victory comes three weeks after unprecedented civil unrest in the Maldives' capital, Male.

Rioters burnt government buildings after security forces shot dead two prisoners during a local prison protest.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service