Mohamed Nasheed (Anni) was sworn in as the Maldives' 4th president Tuesday morning after beating Maumoon Abdul Gayoom last month in the Indian Ocean archipelago's first multi-party presidential election.

The oath-taking ceremony officially ended three decades of power by Gayoom, who was elected to the presidency in 1978 and served six terms.

In the run-off round of presidential elections held on Oct. 28, Anni won 54.21 percent of the votes while Gayoom won 45.79 percent.

At a joint press conference held at the president's office on Monday, Gayoom congratulated Anni and offered him assistance in the future. Anni wished Gayoom future "success", saying he would accept the offer of advice.

(Xinhua News Agency November 11, 2008)