The core principle of a republic system is governing a country through representatives elected by the people, for the betterment of the whole community. The system is also based on the decisions made by people and involving people in changes brought to the system.
A republic system of governance was first introduced to the Maldives in 1953. Mohamed Ameen was elected the first president of Maldives. However, the change did not last long, as within 7 months, the system reverted to a sultanate.
Historical documents show the masses were not satisfied with the rule of the sultans followed by President Ameen's regime. With teeming political rivalry within the royal family, citizens became more and more frustrated with the monarchy. This resulted in the public longing for a republic system of governance, just 15 years into the sultanate.
Under the objective the issue was presented to the parliament floor on October 5, 1967. The parliament voted in favour of establishing a republic system of governance. A referendum was held declaring the second Republic with Prime Minister Ibrahim Nasir taking over as the president. He served two terms as President.
Ibrahim Nasir was followed on November 11, 1978 by Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, who served as president for 30 years. In 2008, President Maumoon competed and lost to Mohamed Nasheed in the first ever multi-party presidential election. Mohamed Nasheed resigned on February 7, 2012. His Vice President Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik was then appointed as president.
The next presidential election was held in 2013. Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom was sworn in as the fifth president of the second Republic on November 17, 2013. He was defeated by Ibrahim Mohamed Solih by a popular vote and would be taking office on November 17, 2018.
Unlike the first republic system of governance introduced in the country, the second came fortified by sustainability and strengthened features to boast 50 successful years of people's rule. Major changes have been brought to the principles of governance which resulted in national progress in various fields.