Latest content: Democracy, government and law

The Commonwealth Observer Group, led by former Prime Minister of Jamaica Bruce Golding, has issued its preliminary findings on the 2026 General Election in The Bahamas, commending the peaceful conduct of the polls while reiterating long standing concerns about the institutional framework governing elections.
Read news - Commonwealth observers praise peaceful Bahamas Election and renew call for independent electoral commission
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.
Read publication - Overview of Elements
The Commonwealth has launched a regional training programme focused on the growing impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on elections, bringing together electoral officials from across the Caribbean & Americas to examine how AI can both strengthen and undermine electoral integrity.
Read news - Commonwealth launches regional training on Artificial Intelligence and electoral integrity in Trinidad and Tobago
The International Moral Guarantors, comprising the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel, and the Commonwealth Secretariat, have issued a communiqué following their third assessment mission to Sierra Leone from 13 to 20 April 2026.
Read news - Press statement following the joint assessment mission of Commonwealth, UN and ECOWAS in Sierra Leone
The Commonwealth Observer Group to Bangladesh has commenced its observation of pre-poll arrangements and preparations for the forthcoming Parliamentary Election and Referendum, reaffirming the Commonwealth’s solidarity with the people of Bangladesh at this important moment in the country’s democratic journey.
Read news - “We are here to affirm the Commonwealth’s solidarity with the people of Bangladesh” – Chair of the Commonwealth Observer Group