Mohamed Nasheed, the south Asian holiday paradise’s first democratically elected leader, was driven from office in 2012, leaving the Maldives mired in political unrest.
He was later sentenced to 13 years in jail on terrorism charges following a trial the UN denounced as hasty and unfair.
But he was granted leave in 2016 for medical treatment in London and the former leader was granted political asylum.
He has remained in exile ever since but has always vowed to attempt to run for the leadership again.
And yesterday, the the Supreme Court said prosecutors and judges in his trial and others had been unduly influenced “to conduct politically motivated investigations”.
It ordered fresh investigations and trials to be held for Mr Nasheed alongside former vice president Ahmed Adeeb and other opposition leaders who had challenged President Abdulla Yameen.
Today, a triumphant Mr Nasheed announced he would be seeking office again.
He said: “I can contest and will contest.
“We must set up proper procedures for inclusive, free and fair elections with full international observation.”
After the court ruling, hundreds of opposition supporters cheered and waved national flags outside the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party campaign centre.
Islamic prayers were also recited at the opposition rally, and people chanted: “The government is over.”
President Yameen’s official website said the defence minister had called on the Maldivian people to put on a united front and work together to maintain peace and stability.
US Ambassador for the Maldives, Atul Keshap, welcomed the Supreme Court decision.
He said: ”I urge the government and security services to respect this ruling, which bolsters democracy and rule of law all Maldivians.”
And the joint opposition called for the immediate resignation of President Yameen.
They said: ”The Supreme Court’s verdict effectively ends President Yameen’s authoritarian rule.”