Sri Lanka election: largely peaceful and credible, although lack of social cohesion a concern
The Commonwealth Observer Group has commended the people of Sri Lanka on a largely peaceful, credible and orderly election, but expressed concern that some groups experienced fear and intimidation. The Group stressed that a credible election must be inclusive, guaranteeing every citizen’s right to participate freely and safely in the process.
Commonwealth team to observe Namibia elections
The Commonwealth will deploy a team to observe elections in Namibia, scheduled for 27 November 2019. Musa Mwenye, former Attorney General of Zambia, is leading the Group, which will observe the Presidential and National Assembly Elections.
Partnership is crucial in the quest for peace, says Secretary-General
The Secretary-General spoke of partnership being in the Commonwealth’s DNA as she delivered a message on multilateralism and peace dialogue at a major thought-leaders’ event.
Polls open across Sri Lanka
Polling is under way in Sri Lanka's presidential election, with a Commonwealth team observing the process in six provinces. The 2019 presidential election is the eighth to be held in Sri Lanka and the first where no sitting president, prime minister or opposition leader is standing.
Commonwealth young champion named among Time 100 leaders of tomorrow
Time magazine has named Commonwealth Young Person of the Year Oluwaseun Ayodeji Osowobi among its 100 world rising stars who are shaping the future.
Commonwealth enters new partnership to enhance climate action in small states
The Commonwealth has entered into an innovative partnership with a UN agency to enhance climate action and disaster preparedness via satellite earth observation.
‘We must close gender gap in education,’ Deputy Secretary-General tells Commonwealth Fair gathering
Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General Dr Arjoon Suddhoo has said more must be done to address the fact that women account for two-thirds of the world’s illiterate population.
Commonwealth group begins observation of Sri Lankan presidential election
A group deployed by the Commonwealth to observe the presidential election in Sri Lanka has called on stakeholders to demonstrate commitment to a “peaceful, transparent, credible and inclusive” poll.
Tonga receives $500,000 climate readiness grant from Green Climate Fund with Commonwealth support
The Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub has helped Tonga secure a grant to put the country on the path towards low carbon emissions and climate-resilient development. The Green Climate Fund grant will pay for a two-year ‘readiness programme’ preparing Tonga’s National Designated Authority to better engage with the Green Climate Fund and manage activities sponsored by the fund in the country.
Secretary-General hails progress on mangrove action
Secretary-General Patricia Scotland celebrated new in-roads made by Sri Lanka, chair of the Commonwealth’s action group on mangroves, by planting a mangrove plant in the country’s famous Koggala Lagoon.The area is home to 10 out of the 22 true mangrove species found in Sri Lanka, and the site of extensive mangrove restoration efforts involving local communities, businesses and the government.