Latest content: Promoting Democracy

I extend congratulations to His Excellency Dr Irfan Ali upon his swearing-in as President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana following the declaration of the 2 March General Election and Regional election results on 2 August 2020 by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). 

The participation of an independent candidate and the candidacy of a woman for president were “unprecedented developments” in Namibia’s electoral history, according to a Commonwealth Observer Group.

I note and welcome the 9 July 2020 statement from the Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. The Hon. Ralph Gonsalves, which called on all stakeholders to respect the ruling of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Guyana’s final court of appeal

The Secretary-General congratulates the people of Malawi for their resolute commitment to democracy demonstrated in the conduct of the 23 June 2020 election

The Commonwealth continues to be concerned that the 2 March 2020 General Election process in Guyana is not yet concluded

Commonwealth Secretary-General, The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC, urges all electoral and political stakeholders in Malawi to play their part in contributing to a peaceful and credible presidential election in Malawi on 23 June 2020. 

The Commonwealth Secretariat is supporting “home-grown" initiatives in Malawi designed to help ensure a peaceful and credible re-run of the presidential election. 

I welcome the report of the CARICOM Observer Team to the Recount of the Guyana 2 March 2020 elections and commend them for their brave and selfless service.

The Commonwealth Observer Group (COG) has commended Mozambicans for voting in a largely peaceful and orderly manner during the 2019 Presidential, National and Provincial Assembly elections.

A final report by the Commonwealth Observer Group (COG) says Sri Lanka's 2019 presidential election was well-managed and transparent but urges greater inclusivity in future.

The Commonwealth Observer Group accredited for the 2 March 2020 General and Regional Elections notes the 15 April 2020 statement of Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) indicating that the Commission has decided to conduct a national recount of all ballots cast (Regions 1-10).

On 11 March 2020, the Acting Chief Justice of Guyana was unambiguous that public and transparent tabulation of the Statement of Polls is required to ensure the credibility of the process and address continued contentions regarding the tabulation and declaration of election results.

The international election observation missions in Guyana are deeply concerned about the continued lack of transparency in the ascertainment of results for Region 4.

The international election observer missions from the Commonwealth, the Organization of American States, the European Union, and The Carter Center have issued a joint statement.

Technology brings both benefit and risk to elections – but there are solutions that can defend the process from cybersecurity threats.

Members of the Commonwealth Observer Group (COG) have been present at the Office of the Returning Officer, Region 4 in Georgetown over the last 24 hours.

The Commonwealth Observer Group to the Guyana General and Regional Elections has found that the polling on 2 March was “orderly and transparent”, while also highlighting the urgent need for reform.

A Commonwealth election observer group led by the former Prime Minister of Barbados Owen Arthur is in Guyana to observe the upcoming general and regional elections.

The Commonwealth will observe the upcoming General and Regional Elections in Guyana, scheduled for 2 March.

Electoral officials from across the Caribbean are attending a Commonwealth-sponsored masterclass on holding efficient, credible and inclusive elections.

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland, has called on Malawians to respect the judgement delivered by its Constitutional Court on the petition challenging the outcome of the general election held on 21 May.

The Chairperson of the Commonwealth Observer Group for the Bougainville Referendum, Anote Tong, former President of Kiribati, has issued a Preliminary Statement concluding that the referendum process was credible, transparent and inclusive.

An independent Commonwealth Observer Group (COG) deployed in Dominica, has delivered its interim statement on the 2019 Dominica General Elections, stating the election results ‘reflect the collective will of the people who voted.’ 

As Election Day approaches in Dominica, the Chair of the Commonwealth Observer Group (COG), is encouraging ‘peaceful elections.’

A Commonwealth Observation Group (COG) has arrived in Dominica to observe the upcoming elections. The COG arrived in the country on 27 November following an invitation from Dominica Prime Minister Hon Roosevelt Skerrit to observe general elections scheduled for Friday 6 December.