On June 2, 2005, the Maldivian parliament voted to allow multi-party democracy for the first time in the tiny atoll nation ruled by President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom since 1978. The parliament unanimously approved a resolution to allow political parties to seek recognition and contest elections, ending the no-party system in the nation. The motion was moved based on a request from President Gayoom to review its earlier decision not to allow political parties in the country.