Mohammed Waheed Hassan, Maldivian educator and politician, 5th President of the Maldives

Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik (Dhivehi: ޑރ. މުޙައްމަދު ވަޙީދު ޙަސަން މަނިކު; Arabic: مُحَمَّد وَحِيد حَسَن مَانِيك), born on January 3, 1953, is a prominent Maldivian politician who held the distinguished office of President of the Maldives from February 7, 2012, to November 17, 2013. His ascension to the presidency occurred following the resignation of his predecessor, President Mohamed Nasheed, under whom Dr. Waheed had served as Vice President. This period marked a significant and tumultuous chapter in Maldivian political history, deeply influencing the nation's democratic trajectory.

Before assuming the nation's highest office, Dr. Waheed had already established a diverse and distinguished career both domestically and internationally. His early professional life included a notable tenure as a news anchor, providing him with a public platform and invaluable experience in communication. Furthermore, he dedicated a substantial portion of his career to international public service, holding key positions as a high-ranking United Nations official. He worked with esteemed UN agencies such as UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund), UNDP (United Nations Development Programme), and UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization). Within these roles, which often spanned over two decades, he focused on critical areas like education, human rights, and development initiatives, particularly within the Asia-Pacific region, gaining extensive experience in governance and international relations. Domestically, Dr. Waheed also served as an elected member of the Maldivian Parliament, demonstrating his commitment to national governance and policy-making.

The 2012 Political Transition and Presidency

Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik assumed the presidency on February 7, 2012, amidst a severe and widely publicized political crisis that culminated in the resignation of the then-incumbent President Mohamed Nasheed. This transition was triggered by widespread public protests, particularly in the capital Malé, escalating after the controversial arrest of Chief Judge Abdulla Mohamed of the Criminal Court. President Nasheed's resignation speech, delivered live on national television, asserted that he was stepping down to avoid further bloodshed and a potential civil war, though he later claimed his resignation was coerced under duress from elements within the security forces.

Controversy Surrounding the Resignation

Immediately following his resignation, former President Mohamed Nasheed publicly alleged that a "coup d'état" had forced him from power, claiming he was held at gunpoint by mutinous elements within the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and the police. These grave allegations were met with significant international concern and prompted a domestic investigation. To ascertain the facts surrounding the dramatic transfer of power, an independent body, the Commission of National Inquiry (CNI), was established. The CNI, which included both Maldivian members and international observers, including a co-chair appointed by the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group, aimed to provide an impartial account of the events leading to the presidential transition.

The comprehensive report released by the Commission of National Inquiry concluded that the transfer of power to Dr. Waheed on February 7, 2012, was indeed constitutional and not the result of a coup. The report meticulously examined evidence and found no verifiable proof to support the claim that President Nasheed's resignation was involuntary or that he was held at gunpoint. While President Nasheed initially stated he accepted the CNI report "with reservations," indicating some disagreement with its findings, he later completely refuted its conclusions in their entirety, maintaining his stance that he was forced out of office. This sustained controversy significantly impacted the perception of Dr. Waheed's legitimacy and contributed to his low approval ratings during his brief tenure, making his presidency a focal point of ongoing political debate.

Tenure and the 2013 Presidential Election

During his relatively short tenure as President, Dr. Waheed faced immense public and political scrutiny, largely stemming from the contentious circumstances of his rise to power. His administration was perceived by a significant portion of the Maldivian population, and particularly by supporters of former President Nasheed's Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), as having seized power illegitimately. This perception, consistently fueled by Nasheed's persistent claims of a forced takeover, led to widespread unpopularity, making Dr. Waheed one of the most embattled presidents in Maldivian history. His presidency was characterized by ongoing political instability, frequent street protests, and persistent calls from various political factions for early elections to restore public confidence and legitimacy.

As the 2013 presidential election approached, Dr. Waheed sought a full five-year term, standing as an independent candidate. However, the electoral outcome strongly reflected the public's prevailing sentiment towards his administration. In the first round of the 2013 election, held on September 7, Dr. Waheed finished as the least voted among the four main candidates, securing only a little over 5% of the total votes cast. This resounding defeat highlighted the profound lack of public mandate for his continued leadership from the Maldivian electorate.

The 2013 election process was further complicated when the Supreme Court of the Maldives controversially annulled the results of the September 7 election, citing alleged irregularities in voter registration and electoral procedures. This unprecedented annulment necessitated a re-run of the election. Despite the opportunity to contest again, Dr. Waheed ultimately chose not to participate in the re-run, effectively concluding his political career at the highest level of Maldivian governance amidst persistent political upheaval.

Historical Significance

Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik holds a unique distinction in the history of the Maldivian presidency: he is, to date, the oldest person to have served as the nation's head of state. Having assumed office at the age of 59 years and serving until he was 60 years and ten months old, his presidency, though brief and tumultuous, is notable for this particular demographic record, marking a distinct chapter in the nation's leadership.

Frequently Asked Questions about Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik

When was Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik born?
Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik was born on January 3, 1953.
What political office did Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik hold?
He served as the President of the Maldives from February 7, 2012, to November 17, 2013. Prior to that, he was the Vice President of the Maldives under President Mohamed Nasheed from 2008 to 2012.
What was Mohamed Waheed's career background before becoming President?
Before his presidency, he had a diverse and extensive career that included working as a news anchor, serving as a high-ranking official with several United Nations agencies (UNICEF, UNDP, and UNESCO), and holding a position as an elected member of the Maldivian Parliament.
How did Mohamed Waheed become President?
He assumed the presidency on February 7, 2012, following the resignation of then-President Mohamed Nasheed amidst a significant political crisis and widespread protests. As the Vice President, he was the constitutional successor to the office.
Were there controversies surrounding his assumption of the presidency?
Yes, immediately after his resignation, former President Mohamed Nasheed claimed he was forced to resign under duress in a coup d'état. However, an independent body, the Commission of National Inquiry (CNI), investigated these claims and concluded that the transfer of power was constitutional and not a coup. Despite this finding, Nasheed later refuted the CNI's report.
Did Mohamed Waheed seek re-election in 2013?
Yes, he stood for re-election in the first round of the 2013 presidential election but received a very low percentage of votes (just over 5%) and was defeated. After the Supreme Court annulled the initial election results, he chose not to participate in the re-run.
What unique record does Mohamed Waheed hold regarding the Maldivian presidency?
He holds the distinction of being the oldest person to date to have served as President of the Maldives, taking office at the age of 59 years and concluding his term at 60 years and ten months.