Maldives protests prompt travel warning

    The Foreign Office has updated its Maldives travel advice after demonstrations erupted over the postponement of Saturday's presidential election.

      "Demonstrations have already started in the capital, Malé, and on some non-resort islands," it warns. "Further demonstrations are likely. Previous political demonstrations have led to violence and arrests. Friday afternoons are traditionally potential flashpoints."

      Visitors to Malé are warned to "take care, seek up to date information, and keep away from any demonstrations". It adds that: "There is no indication at present that any political unrest will affect tourist resorts or airports, but if you have any concerns you should check with your hotel or tour operator." Similar warnings have been issued by the governments of Australia, Canada and China.

While the demonstrations are not yet likely to affect holidaymakers, who usually travel straight from the airport in Malé to one the country's private island resorts, proposed strike action by resort staff could cause problems. Last week the Tourism Employees Association of the Maldives (TEAM) – which represents around 5,000 tourism workers - promised "prolonged" strike action should Saturday's vote not take place.

     The election - a run-off between Mohamed Nasheed, the country’s first democratically-elected leader, who was overthrown in an alleged coup last year, and Abdulla Yameen of the Progressive Party of Maldives, which was founded by Maumoon Gayoom, the country's autocratic ruler from 1978 to 2008 - was postponed by the Supreme Court of the Maldives earlier this month following allegations of electoral fraud during the first round of voting.