The once peaceful nation has been marred by unprecedented political upheaval and violence after the country’s first democratically elected President Mohamed Nasheed claimed that he had been ousted in a “coup d’état” backed by his successor President Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik, his then vice President. In his departure statement yesterday, the Special Envoy urged all interlocutors to function in accordance with the best interests of the nation. “I call on all parties to act in the best interests of the nation.” During his visit, Sir Donald met with key stakeholders to discuss the current political situation and to determine how the Commonwealth can best assist Maldives. Fresh violence broke out on Monday as supporters of Nasheed, clashed with police as they attempted to stymie the opening of parliament. Riot police used teargas to disperse hundreds of protesters in the capital Male, while lawmakers belonging to Nasheed's Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) shouted slogans inside the parliament chamber. The Special Envoy who had attended the reconvening of Parliament, and noted positively the role of the Speaker in presiding over the session in “difficult circumstances” the statement said. The Special Envoy commented “It is essential that the Majlis now functions effectively so that parliamentarians can return to debating issues of national interest.” Sir Donald also noted the commitment, in the Presidential address to the Parliament, to bring together political leaders to hold discussions on the matter of early elections. Sir Donald said he would remain engaged in supporting efforts to find a mutually agreeable path going forward, the statement said further. The Special Envoy stressed the importance of the work of the Commission of National Inquiry for national healing formed by President Waheed to investigate the transfer of power although the opposition has called the impartiality of the commission into question. In this regard, Sir Donald offered Commonwealth expertise to support the Commission in its work. Sir Donald also discussed additional technical assistance that the Commonwealth, the United Nations and the Inter-Parliamentary Union and other international organizations could provide, to help strengthen the judiciary and other key democratic institutions. “The Commonwealth Secretariat will seek to develop these programmes with Maldivian stakeholders, and international partners, as soon as possible.”