2013 Event Abdulla Yameen wins the Presidential election in the Maldives with 51.3% of the popular vote, compared to 48.6 % for former leader Mohamed Nasheed 1978 Event Maumoon Abdul Gayoom becomes president of Maldives 1968 Event Maldives (in Indian Ocean) become a republic 1965 Event Republic of Maldives gains independence from Britain (National Day) 1964 Event Maldives adopts constitution 1939 Birthday Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, president of Maldives, 1978-
