Mohamed Waheed Hassan vs Nana Akufo-Addo

Mohamed Waheed Hassan was appointed Minister of Education in the Maldives under President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. He oversaw education reforms and modernization of the school system.

After leaving the government, Waheed worked as a senior education advisor for UNICEF in various countries. This international experience shaped his later political views and approach to governance.

Waheed was elected Vice President of the Maldives as the running mate of President Mohamed Nasheed. He served as Vice President from 2008 to 2012.

Following the resignation of President Mohamed Nasheed under disputed circumstances, Waheed assumed the presidency. His ascension was widely seen as a coup by Nasheed's supporters, leading to political instability and international criticism.

Waheed ran for re-election as president in the 2013 elections but lost to Abdulla Yameen. He finished third in the first round and did not advance to the runoff.

Nana Akufo-Addo won the 2016 presidential election as the candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), defeating incumbent John Dramani Mahama. His victory was attributed to promises of economic revival and free secondary education.

Akufo-Addo's government implemented a policy of free secondary education for all public senior high schools. The policy aimed to increase access to education but faced challenges related to infrastructure and funding.

Akufo-Addo won re-election in the 2020 presidential election, again defeating John Dramani Mahama. The election was held during the COVID-19 pandemic and was praised for its peaceful conduct despite tensions.

Akufo-Addo's government implemented lockdowns, travel restrictions, and a stimulus package to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The response included free water and electricity for households.