The Commonwealth has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting democratic elections and upholding the principles of impartial observation, as set out in the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation (DoP).
The Commonwealth joined other endorsing organisations at the 20th Annual Implementation Meeting of the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation, held in Geneva, Switzerland, from 10-12 December 2025.
In their joint statement, the endorsing organisations reaffirmed their commitment to democratic elections, stating:
“The will of the people of a country is the basis for authority of government, and that is determined through periodic genuine democratic elections. Genuine democratic elections cannot be achieved unless a wide range of other human rights and fundamental freedoms can be exercised on an ongoing basis without discrimination.”
The meeting marked the 20th anniversary of the DoP’s launch at the United Nations Secretariat in 2005. Since its adoption, the DoP has grown from 11 to 54 endorsing organisations worldwide, demonstrating the increasing global consensus on the importance of credible, transparent, and inclusive electoral processes.
Speaking on the occasion, Commonwealth Secretary-General Hon. Shirley Botchwey said:
“Credible, transparent, and inclusive elections are the heartbeat of democracy, and observation is one of the strongest tools we have to promote, protect and strengthen this shared Commonwealth ideal. The Commonwealth’s long-standing commitment to the DoP as a founding member reflects our belief that democracy must not only exist in law but be lived in practice, through transparency, accountability, inclusivity, and respect for the voices of all Commonwealth citizens.”
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The Commonwealth has observed over 200 elections across member countries and trained professionals from 58 election management bodies (EMBs). Through its partnership with the Pacific Islands, Australia and New Zealand Electoral Administrators (PIANZEA) Network, it has also trained five non-Commonwealth EMBs in the Pacific region through the Commonwealth Elections Professionals Initiative.
As a leader in international election observation, the Commonwealth Secretariat was among the 11 original signatories to the DoP which serves as the sole community of practice for international election observation.
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As part of the DoP Convening Committee, the Commonwealth contributes to the organisation of the annual Implementation Meeting for all 54 members. The Convening Committee meets twice a year to address emerging issues and challenges, set the agenda of the Implementation Meeting and discuss innovations to strengthen election observation methodology.
Looking ahead, the Secretariat is scheduled to host the Convening Committee meetings and the annual Implementation Meeting of the DoP in 2027.
