Latest content: Democracy, government and law

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Hon. Shirley Botchwey, constituted a Commonwealth Observer Group to observe the 12 May 2026 general election in The Bahamas, following an invitation from the Government of The Bahamas. The COG was led by the Hon. Bruce Golding, former Prime Minister of Jamaica, who also led the COG for The Bahamas’ 2021 general election. The Group comprised four eminent Commonwealth citizens, supported by a staff team from the Commonwealth Secretariat.

This is the final report the Commonwealth Observer Group constituted by the Commonwealth Secretary-General for the parliamentary elections, and referendum on the July Charter, held in Bangladesh on 12 February 2026, at the invitation of the Chief Election Commissioner. Assessing this landmark event in Bangladesh's political history, it offers recommendations on how to deepen democracy and strengthen the country's institutions and electoral processes.

This is the final report the Commonwealth Observer Group constituted by the Commonwealth Secretary-General for the general elections held in Antigua and Barbuda on 30 April 2026, following an invitation from the government. In it, the Group assesses the electoral process and the wider democratic context, and sets out recommendations for consideration by key stakeholders.

The BBNJ Agreement is the third implementing agreement under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and, like its parent treaty, it has been structured around a complex package of indivisible issues. Each element carries its own unique set of obligations, rights and duties for States Parties
under the BBNJ Agreement. This briefing note summarises the four key elements.