This thesis explores the consolidation of democracy in the Maldives and challenges it faced during its first five years of democratic life with special emphasis on the circumstances that led to the premature resignation of the first democratically-elected head of state, President Mohamed Nasheed. It analyzes the political history of Maldives and the role of military in the society. A long history of authoritarian rule and the very sudden transfer to a democratic system left many institutions to be reformed democratically in the due course. In an effort to hasten the reform process, the ambitious new president unfortunately at times resorted to undemocratic means, especially using the military. His actions surpassed his authority resulting in the public demand for his resignation, and in the midst of many calamitous events that took place during the last few days of his presidency, President Nasheed resigned casting a cloud of doubt over the fate of democracy in the Maldives. This study concludes that despite the many challenges the infant democracy of Maldives has faced, it overcame them all by the role played by local institutions. Thus, Maldives is thriving as a democratic success story.

Subjects: Road to democracy; Efforts to consolidate democracy; Challenges to consolidate democracy; Resignation of President Nasheed and the allegations; Military and its role in the society and politics; President Waheed and the continuation of democracy.