He assumed office on 11 November of the same year and on completion of his first 5-year term as President, was re-elected in 1983 for a second term of office polling a record 95.6% of the popular vote. In 1988, he was re-elected for a third term by the overwhelming majority of 96.4%. In 1993, he was elected for a fourth term winning 92.76% of the popular vote. In 1998, President Gayoom was elected for a fifth term of office with a clear majority of 90.9%. Again, in 2003, President Gayoom was re-elected for a record sixth term of office with an overwhelming majority of 90.28% of the popular vote.