Colombo - Polling on the Maldives started Tuesday as voters choose between one of Asia's longest-serving leaders against a former political prisoner.

Voting started at 9 am (0330 GMT) to either re-elect incumbent President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, to a seventh consecutive term or to opt for Mohamed "Anni" Nasheed, a 41-year-old activist who was once imprisoned by Gayoom's government.

Gayoom, 71, received 41 per cent in the first round of elections held October 8, while Nasheed got 25 per cent - both short of the necessary 50 per cent.

About 209,000 voters registered to vote and results are expected late Tuesday night or early Wednesday.

Nasheed, who represents the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) which campaigned for democratic reforms, told reporters he was confident of the results and pleased that his party was instrumental in achieving reforms in his country.

President Gayoom came under local and international pressure to introduce political reforms, giving wider powers to parliament.

Some MDP activists were forced to flee the country, and are now living and directing the political campaign from Sri Lanka's capital Colombo.

Tourism is the main source of income to Maldives, a popular tourist destination with its diving locations being among its main attractions. dpa ad im tl