Democracy in the form of the first written constitution was incepted in the Maldives in 1932. Soon the democratically elected government found itself at a loss as to what democracy was. They failed to consider the political maturity of Maldivians and proceeded to enact reforms. Some of the reforms voted in included building a railway line from Maafannu to Macchangoli, a distance of less than a kilometre. Trees were planted along the middle of the main street in Malé to resemble a French boulevard. Soon the citizenry found themselves alienated and cried out for a return to the bad old days of absolute monarchy. A coup took place with a junta of sixty eight leading citizens replacing the government. The junta was led by the wealthiest local businessman in Malé at the time, a certain Gulhee Isa Kaleyfan. They petitioned the Sultan to suspend the constitution and take absolute control. The Sultan Mohamed Shamsuddine III Iskander did as he was bid and ordered his most unpopular ministers into exile in Colombo. Some of the ex-ministers are photographed here in Colombo. From left (seated) Hussain Salahuddine, Henveyrugey Ahmed Kamil Didi; Eggamugey Ibrahim Ali Didi; Athireegey Mohamed Amin Didi (not an exile). Back row from left: Medu Seedeege Seedi (he was not a minister but a busy body who was foolish enough to advise the Sultan to order the militia to open fire on the assembled citizenry who were demanding an end to democracy); Meerubahuru Mohamed Ismail Didi, Hilihilaagey Moosa Didi; Kelaa Ibrahim and Buruneegey Ibrahim Hassan Didi.
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