Maldives authorities hold former president

Maldives newly elected President Mohammed Waheed Hassan gestures during a press conference in Male, Maldives, Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2012. The Maldives new president is calling for the formation of a national unity government to help the country recover from the political crisis that led to the resignation of his predecessor, Mohamed Nasheed. Nasheed resigned Tuesday after police joined protesters against his rule. AP PHOTO/ERANGA JAYAWARDENA

MALE, Maldives—The new president of the Maldives is calling for the formation of a national unity government to help the country recover from the political crisis that led to the resignation of his predecessor.

President Mohammed Waheed Hassan told reporters Wednesday that he aimed to form a coalition to help build a stable and democratic country.

Meanwhile, police and soldiers kept watch over his predecessor, Mohamed Nasheed, at an undisclosed location.

Authorities said they were investigating the discovery of bottles of alcohol being removed from Nasheed’s residence. Consuming alcohol outside tourist resorts is a crime in this Muslim nation.

Nasheed resigned Tuesday after police joined protesters against his rule.