Maldivian President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom is comfortably set for re-election for a fifth consecutive term of office following his unanimous nomination by the People's Majlis (Parliament) to be placed before the people at a national referendum later this year.

The Majlis on Thursday unanimously endorsed Gayoom as the candidate who will be presented to the people at the referendum. He has polled over 90 percent of the popular vote at previous referenda and his endorsement by his countrymen on this occasion is now only a formality, Colombo based diplomats accredited to Male' said. He needs 51% of this vote to be declared elected.

This presidential election is being held under a new constitution adopted in January. This enables those seeking the Majlis' nomination to be the candidate submitted to the people to present themselves for election by secret ballot by Parliament. Previously the Majlis by consensus submitted a candidate to the people.

There were no serious rivals to Gayoom although four other candidates submitted their nomination papers. The candidates were a 58-year old tailor, a former construction supervisor aged 47-years, a diver and self-employed fishery worker (48) and a 42-year old disc jockey. According to Male' sources none of them had any past political background.

A Male' government statement said that members of diplomatic corps, the general public and some of the other candidates attended as observers the Majlis' session unanimously selected Gayoom.

"This is indeed a historic win which shows that the nation is 100% behind President Gayoom reflecting his outstanding record in office,'' one MP said after the vote.

The Majlis decision was conveyed to Gayoom by Speaker Abdullah Hameed, officials said. "He thanked the members and accepted the nomination,'' they said.

Gayoom was first elected in 1978 succeeding President Ibrahim Nasir. He completes his 20^th year in office this November.