Maldives political timeline
Key events leading up to the current political crisis in the Maldives.
2008: Mohamed Nasheed becomes the Maldives’ first democratic president, ending three decades of autocratic rule by Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.
May 2011: Police clash with opposition-led protesters complaining about food prices in Male.
Dec 2011: An opposition alliance (Madhanee Ithihaad) is formed between the Gaumee Party, Jumhoory Party, and Adhaalath Party in parliament, leading to constitutional deadlock in the country’s corridors of power.
Jan 16, 2012 Chief Justice Abdulla Mohamed is arrested by the Maldives army on charges of corruption and obstruction of justice, sparking riots and demonstrations.
Feb 7, 2012: Nasheed resigns office during a television address, saying it would be “better for the country in the current situation” if he stood down. Vice President Mohammed Waheed Hassan is sworn in as the new president, with his secretary saying his elevation was the wish of the people”. Nasheed later says he was forced from office after a police mutiny and while under pressure from Gayoom loyalists who forced him to resign “at gunpoint”.
Aug 30, 2012: the Maldives’ National Commission of Inquiry says it found no evidence to support Nasheed’s version of events, a verdict supported by the US and the Commonwealth of Nations.
Sept 7, 2013: Maldivians vote for a new president. Nasheed declared the frontrunner although he fails to gain an outright majority. Abdulla Yameen, the half-brother of Gayoom, comes second.
Oct 7, 2013: Supreme Court annuls result of September election, citing irregularities.
Oct 19, 2013: Planned re-run is stopped by police, saying voter lists were not agreed upon by all candidates.
Nov 6, 2013: Candidates agree to sign voter lists.
Nov 9, 2013: Nasheed wins first round vote against Yameen, but still does not get a majority.
Nov 10, 2013: Supreme Court delays run-off for another six days after protests from Yameen that he had not had enough time to campaign.