Latest content: Promoting Democracy

The Commonwealth Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Maldives, Sir Donald McKinnon, has expressed his deep sadness in learning of the killing of Hon Dr Afrasheem Ali MP, Member of the People's Majlis (Parliament) of Maldives, on 2 October 2012.

Commonwealth Foreign Ministers met in New York today on the margins of the 67th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

New York, 28 September 2012

Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma visited Sri Lanka earlier this month. At the conclusion of the visit, a Departure Statement was issued.

Final Report

Some benchmarks for democratic elections were met, but significant challenges need to be addressed in election management, good electoral practices, and strengthening the culture of democracy

The Commonwealth Secretary-General’s Special Envoy to Maldives, Sir Donald McKinnon, said the Report of the Commission of National Inquiry is a turning point for the country to leave the past behind and move forward.

London, 30 August 2012 - Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma today welcomed the release of the Report of the Commission of National Inquiry in Maldives.

The Commonwealth Secretary-General’s Special Envoy to Maldives, Sir Donald McKinnon, today urged Maldivian stakeholders to keep the national interest paramount and move forward in a calm and responsible manner, as the country anticipates the Report of the Commission of National Inquiry this week.

Final report

Peaceful and credible elections but not yet satisfying all key benchmarks

Prime Minister Sibusiso Barnabas Dlamini of Swaziland has said his country is committed to upholding Commonwealth values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

Interim Statement

Commonwealth Electoral Network members commit to strengthening electoral processes across the Commonwealth

Commonwealth Electoral Network gets dedicated online meeting place

Statement by Chair, Dr Surujrattan Rambachan, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Communications of Trinidad and Tobago

Arrival Statement

Arrival Statement by Edward Natapei, Vanuatu’s former Prime Minister and Chairperson of the Commonwealth Observer Group, which will observe Papua New Guinea's elections

London, 15 June 2012 – A Commonwealth Observer Group will be in Papua New Guinea for the country’s forthcoming national elections, to be held in June and July 2012. The Group will consist of eight observers, supported by six Commonwealth Secretariat staff. Mr Nipake Edward Natapei, Vanuatu’s former Prime Minister, will lead the Group.

London, 8 June 2012 – Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma has welcomed the peaceful democratic transition in the Kingdom of Lesotho and congratulated Prime Minister Motsoahae Tom Thabane on assuming the leadership of the country, following the 26 May 2012 Parliamentary elections.

"Developing and strengthening democratic institutions and processes is a cornerstone of the Commonwealth’s work"– Masire-Mwamba

Government of Maldives and former President Nasheed reach agreement on the nominee to the country’s Commission of National Inquiry

Departure Statement

We have noted the comments attributed in the media on 30 May 2012 to the Press Secretary of the President of Maldives regarding the nominee of former President Nasheed to the Commission of National Inquiry.

Kamalesh Sharma's statement