Mohamed Nasheed: A Pivotal Figure in Maldivian Democracy and Governance

Mohamed Nasheed (Dhivehi: މުހައްމަދު ނަޝީދު), born on 17 May 1967, is a highly influential Maldivian politician whose career has been marked by significant milestones in the nation's democratic evolution. He currently serves as the 19th Speaker of the People's Majlis, the Maldivian parliament, a role he assumed in May 2019. Prior to this, Nasheed held the distinction of being the first democratically elected President of the Maldives, serving from 2008 until his resignation in 2012. His political journey is closely intertwined with the country's transition from authoritarian rule to a multi-party democracy, positioning him as a central figure in modern Maldivian history.

Nasheed is widely recognized as one of the founding members of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), a key political force established to advocate for democratic reforms and human rights against the long-standing authoritarian regime of President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. Gayoom had governed the Maldives for an uninterrupted 30 years, making his eventual defeat a landmark event in the country's political landscape, signaling a profound shift towards a more open political system.

The Historic 2008 Presidential Election and Assumption of Office

The 2008 presidential election marked a watershed moment for the Maldives, moving the nation away from decades of single-party dominance. In the first round, Mohamed Nasheed secured 25% of the votes, emerging as a formidable contender. For the second round, he successfully rallied the first comprehensive opposition coalition against the incumbent Gayoom. This united front, comprising various democratic factions, proved successful, leading to Nasheed's historic victory over a deeply entrenched leader. He officially assumed the presidency on 11 November 2008, ushering in an era of democratic governance for the island nation.

Interestingly, years later, the shifting dynamics of Maldivian politics saw Nasheed working alongside his former adversary, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, in the lead-up to the 2018 presidential election. This unlikely alliance was formed with the common objective of defeating the then-incumbent President Abdulla Yameen, highlighting the fluid and often pragmatic nature of political alliances in the Maldives as various factions unite against common opponents.

The Disputed Resignation of 2012 and Its Aftermath

Mohamed Nasheed's presidency came to an abrupt end on 7 February 2012, amidst highly disputed circumstances that continue to be debated. His resignation followed weeks of intense protests by the opposition, which had been ignited by his controversial order to arrest the Chief Judge of the Criminal Court, Abdulla Mohamed. This arrest sparked widespread criticism, with concerns raised about the independence of the judiciary and allegations of political interference, particularly given Judge Mohamed's perceived political alignment.

The situation escalated significantly when a majority of police forces joined the protests, refusing to carry out what they deemed unconstitutional orders from the government, effectively leading to a breakdown of state authority in certain sectors. The following day, Nasheed publicly stated that he had been forced to resign "at gunpoint" by police and army officers, alleging a coup d'état orchestrated by "powerful networks" of Gayoom loyalists who capitalized on the public unrest. This claim directly implied a non-constitutional transfer of power, raising international alarm.

However, his successor, Mohammed Waheed Hassan, a former long-time United Nations civil servant who had served as Nasheed's Vice President, vehemently denied these allegations. Waheed asserted that the transfer of power was entirely voluntary and constitutional, aimed at restoring stability. To address the conflicting accounts and investigate Nasheed's claims, a Commission of National Inquiry (CNI) was established.

The CNI's investigation was notable for its international oversight, with the process being monitored by the United Nations and the Commonwealth of Nations. Furthermore, a retired Justice of Singapore's Supreme Court, nominated by the Commonwealth, co-led the inquiry to ensure impartiality and transparency. After a thorough review of evidence and testimonies, the Maldives' Commission of National Inquiry reported that it found no credible evidence to substantiate Nasheed's version of events, concluding that his resignation was not a result of coercion, but rather a voluntary act to resolve a political crisis.

Political Comebacks and Legal Challenges

Despite the contentious end to his first presidency, Mohamed Nasheed remained a prominent figure in Maldivian politics. He re-contested the presidency in September-October 2013, participating in a multi-round election that was initially annulled before being re-run, but he ultimately conceded defeat after a closely fought contest.

In March 2015, Nasheed faced severe legal repercussions related to the 2012 judge's arrest. He was convicted under the Maldives' Anti-Terrorism Act for ordering the arrest of Criminal Court Judge Abdulla Mohamed during his presidency. The conviction, which controversially used anti-terrorism legislation for what many viewed as a political decision, resulted in a 13-year sentence at Maafushi Prison. This particular conviction drew significant international condemnation; Amnesty International described it as "politically motivated," while the United States Department of State expressed serious concerns regarding the "apparent lack of appropriate criminal procedures during the trial." These statements highlighted a broader international worry about the rule of law, due process, and political freedom in the Maldives at the time.

Fortuitously for Nasheed, his conviction was ultimately overturned by the Supreme Court of the Maldives in November 2018, citing procedural flaws and a lack of proper legal basis, paving the way for his return to active politics and a significant validation of his position.

Exile, Return, and Present Role as Speaker

Following his conviction and during its appeal, Mohamed Nasheed was granted asylum in the United Kingdom in 2016, where he had traveled for critical medical treatment. While in exile, he continued to be an influential voice in Maldivian affairs, frequently commenting on political developments and advocating for democracy. On 29 June 2018, he announced his decision to withdraw from contesting the country's presidential elections, citing persistent legal obstacles, including the Election Commission's controversial rejection of his victory in a party primary poll, which he vehemently declared illegal and demanded sanctions against the authority.

However, a significant shift occurred with the victory of Ibrahim Solih in the 2018 presidential elections. Solih, a childhood best friend, close relative, and the Maldivian Democratic Party's candidate, secured the presidency, leading to a new political landscape that favored democratic reforms. This development enabled Nasheed's highly anticipated return to the Maldives. In the subsequent parliamentary elections, Nasheed successfully won the seat for the Machangolhi Medhu constituency with a total of 1054 votes, demonstrating his enduring popularity and political strength. His strong performance led to his election as Speaker of the People's Majlis, effectively making him the head of the legislative branch and a powerful political figure once more, second only to the President in the constitutional hierarchy.

Assassination Attempt in 2021

On 6 May 2021, Mohamed Nasheed was the target of a horrific assassination attempt near his home in Malé as he was getting into his car. An improvised explosive device (IED), specifically designed to cause maximum harm by being stuffed with bearing balls as shrapnel, was detonated close to him. He sustained severe injuries in the blast, primarily affecting his head, chest, and limbs, and narrowly survived the attack due to immediate medical intervention.

Nasheed required immediate and extensive medical attention, including multiple emergency surgeries for internal injuries and removal of shrapnel, and spent time in the intensive care unit for his recovery, which necessitated further medical treatment abroad. Maldivian authorities swiftly launched an investigation, alleging the attack was an act of terrorism perpetrated by religious "extremists." This accusation points to potential ideological motivations, given Nasheed's generally liberal stance, his past outspokenness against religious radicalism, and his efforts to promote moderate Islam within the Maldives. Three suspects were promptly arrested in connection with the incident, and international cooperation was evident, with officers from the Australian Federal Police assisting with the investigation, underscoring the gravity of the attack and the need for comprehensive inquiry into threats against high-profile political figures.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mohamed Nasheed

Who is Mohamed Nasheed?

Mohamed Nasheed is a prominent Maldivian politician. He served as the first democratically elected President of the Maldives from 2008 to 2012 and is currently the Speaker of the People's Majlis since May 2019. He is also a co-founder of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), a key force in the country's democratic transition.

What was the significance of his election in 2008?

His election in 2008 was a historic event as he was the first president to be democratically elected in the Maldives, marking the end of three decades of authoritarian rule under President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and initiating a new era of multi-party democracy.

Why did Mohamed Nasheed resign in 2012?

Nasheed resigned on 7 February 2012 amidst disputed circumstances following weeks of protests. He claimed he was forced to resign "at gunpoint" by security forces, while his successor, Mohammed Waheed Hassan, and a subsequent international inquiry (Commission of National Inquiry overseen by the UN and Commonwealth) stated the resignation was voluntary and constitutional. The initial protests were sparked by his controversial order to arrest a Criminal Court judge.

What legal challenges did Mohamed Nasheed face?

In March 2015, he was controversially convicted under the Anti-Terrorism Act for ordering the judge's arrest and sentenced to 13 years in prison. This conviction drew international criticism as politically motivated. However, the Supreme Court of the Maldives overturned his conviction in November 2018, clearing his name.

Is Mohamed Nasheed currently in power?

Yes, Mohamed Nasheed currently holds a powerful and influential position as the Speaker of the People's Majlis (parliament) of the Maldives, a role he has held since May 2019 following his election as a Member of Parliament.

What happened to Mohamed Nasheed in May 2021?

On 6 May 2021, Mohamed Nasheed survived a serious assassination attempt near his home in Malé. An IED bomb, packed with shrapnel, was detonated, causing him severe injuries requiring extensive medical treatment. Maldivian authorities alleged the attack was an act of terrorism perpetrated by religious extremists, and an investigation, assisted by Australian Federal Police, is ongoing with several arrests made.