The Maldives is marking 58 years since the establishment of its Second Republic, which was formally declared on 11 November 1968, restoring republican governance after the country briefly returned to a sultanate following its first experiment with a republic in 1953.
Republic Day is observed annually on 11 November to commemorate the establishment of the Second Republic, which continues to form the foundation of the country’s present political system.
The Maldives’ first republic was established on 1 January 1953, making the country a republic for the first time in its history. The transition followed the simultaneous resignations of Sultan Hassan Nooraddeen II and Prime Minister Al Ameer Mohamed Fareed Didi on 7 April 1943, which eventually led to a change in the country’s political arrangements.
With the monarchy left without a reigning sultan, the people elected Al Ameer Abdul Majeed Didi as the new Sultan. However, discussions over the country’s future system of government continued, with growing support for a republic.
At the time, many favoured retaining Al Ameer Mohamed Ameen Dhoshimeynaa Kilegefaanu as the country’s supreme leader regardless of the political system. However, he did not wish to become Sultan, and the country eventually adopted a republican system.
Mohamed Ameen Didi became the Maldives’ first President on 1 January 1953.
A president from the royal Huraa dynasty
Mohamed Ameen Didi, born on 20 July 1910, was the son of Athireegey Ahmed Dhoshimeynaa Kilegefaan and Roanugey Aishath Didi. He descended from the prominent Huraa dynasty through his father’s side, a royal dynasty that produced several rulers of the Maldives.
Before becoming president, Ameen Didi held several government positions, including Chief Officer of Customs, head of the Maldivian Post Office and Minister of Trade. He also served as principal of Majeediyya School from 1946 until 1953.
He was also the founder and leader of the country’s first political party, Dhivehi Rayyithunge Muthagaddim Party (People’s Progressive Party).
However, the first republic was short-lived. Political opposition and growing dissatisfaction with the new system led to the removal of Ameen Didi from power on 21 August 1953. The country subsequently returned to a sultanate in 1954, bringing the first republic to an end after just seven months and 21 days.
The return to a republic in 1968
The idea of restoring republican governance gained momentum following the Maldives’ independence from British protection on 26 July 1965.
On 15 March 1968, a national referendum was held to determine whether the country should retain its monarchy or establish a republic once again. Approximately 81 per cent of voters supported the return to a republican system.
Following the referendum, the Second Republic was formally established on 11 November 1968.
Al Ameer Ibrahim Nasir Rannabandeyri Kilegefaanu, who had served as Prime Minister under Sultan Muhammad Fareed Didi since 1957, became the first President of the Second Republic.
The royal ancestry of Ibrahim Nasir
Ibrahim Nasir, born on 2 September 1926, was the son of Velaanaagey Ahmed Didi and Aishath Moosa Didi.
His family background also had connections to the Maldives’ former royal houses. His paternal family belonged to the established Velaanaage family, while his maternal ancestry is associated with the Dhiyamigili dynasty, which ruled the Maldives during the 18th century.
Nasir served as Prime Minister for more than a decade before becoming President. During his presidency, which lasted until 1978, the Maldives underwent significant changes, including the development of tourism, modernisation of the fishing industry, expansion of education and the introduction of nationwide radio and television broadcasting.
He also played a major role in securing the Maldives’ independence from Britain in 1965.
Seven presidents since the Second Republic
Since the establishment of the Second Republic, seven presidents have governed the Maldives.
Following Ibrahim Nasir, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom became President in 1978 and remained in office for 30 years, making him the longest-serving president in the country’s history.
He was succeeded by Mohamed Nasheed, who was elected in 2008. Following Nasheed’s resignation in 2012, Mohamed Waheed Hassan assumed the presidency.
Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom became President in 2013, followed by Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in 2018. The current President, Dr Mohamed Muizzu, assumed office on 17 November 2023.
A change in the presidential inauguration date
Although 11 November traditionally marked the beginning of a new presidential term, the date of presidential inaugurations changed following the political and legal developments surrounding the 2013 presidential election.
The 2013 election results were initially disputed by the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), and subsequent Supreme Court proceedings affected the election schedule.
Abdulla Yameen, who won the election, was therefore sworn in on 17 November 2013 instead of 11 November.
Presidents elected after him have also assumed office on 17 November, making it the date associated with the transfer of presidential power in recent years.
The Maldives continues to observe 11 November as Republic Day, commemorating the establishment of the Second Republic in 1968.
