New president of the Maldives expands his Cabinet

MALE, Maldives — The Maldives' new president has expanded his Cabinet to include members of the former autocratic ruler's party, and Islamic conservatives will be appointed ministers in coming days.

Conservatives have been demanding the introduction of strict Islamic laws in the Indian Ocean nation that relies on high-end tourism.

Demonstrations over the past year calling for more religiously conservative policies as well as widespread protests over soaring prices had put pressure on the former leader, Mohamed Nasheed. He resigned last week after his order to arrest a senior judge sparked continuous protests. He later said he had been ousted in a coup, leading to a political crisis.

New President Mohammed Waheed Hassan said he was forming a coalition government to help restore stability in the Muslim country ahead of presidential elections due next year. Six members from four political parties were sworn in Sunday as ministers.

They include the Progressive Party of the Maldives, headed by Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, the former autocratic leader who ruled for 30 years until Nasheed defeated him in the country's first multiparty election in 2008.

Adhaalat, or Justice Party, which wants to see the introduction of Shariah law, and several other moderate parties will also receive ministerial positions, according to presidential spokesman Masood Imad.

Some slots in the Cabinet were being kept open in case Nasheed's Maldivian Democratic Party changed its mind about joining the coalition government, he said.

The constitution prohibits any religion other than Islam from being practiced or preached in the Maldives and specifies that it be governed according to Islamic principles. But authorities have generally been flexible, mainly to preserve the country's tourism industry.

However, Islamic activists led by Adhaalat have protested against the former government's ties with Israel and demanded alcohol not be sold outside resorts. The party also led a protest in December against United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay after she asked the Maldives to stop flogging women found to have had sex outside marriage.

Since losing power, Gayoom has kept away from active politics. Although it is unclear whether he will return to public life, he is likely to influence government policies.

In a speech after the swearing-in ceremony, Hassan said his government would carry forward the programs initiated by the previous government. He did not specify the programs.