The Maldives was plunged into political crisis when the former president Mohamed Nasheed resigned, claiming to have been forced out of his position.

He was succeeded by his former vice president - Mohamed Waheed - who denies allegations of taking part in a coup.

President Waheed is now building a government of national unity, but with tensions still running high between him and supporters of his predecessor, how safe is the island nation's democracy?

(Image: Maldivian President Mohamed Waheed Hassan. Credit: Associated Press)