Latest content: Promoting Democracy

Kamalesh Sharma said he was heartened by Prime Minister Gaston Browne’s announcement of the role youth would play in his Cabinet and development initiatives

As the first Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict draws to a close, Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma has called for concerted efforts to address sexual violence in conflict.

Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma announced today that the Commonwealth will send an observer mission to Antigua and Barbuda for the country’s general elections this month.

Commonwealth Observer Group observed the opening, voting, counting and results processes of the People’s Majlis (Parliamentary) Elections

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Kamalesh Sharma, has noted the announcement by the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) that it plans to release the results of the recent tripartite elections today, 30 May

Kamalesh Sharma has conveyed his congratulations to Narendra Modi on the impressive victory of his party in India's recent General Elections

Kamalesh Sharma has been closely following developments in Malawi since the elections held on 20 May and commends the Malawi Electoral Commission for acknowledging some irregularities observed and for continuously engaging in dialogue with all the parties

The Group was impressed by the enthusiasm, patience and determination demonstrated by the people of Malawi to exercise their franchise, even where polling was substantially delayed.

As Malawians prepare to go to the polls, the Chair of Commonwealth observers in the country, former Botswana vice President Mompati Merafhe has said these elections are being followed closely around the world with much interest

The Chair of the Commonwealth Observer Group to Malawi, former Botswana Vice-President Mompati Merafhe addressed journalists in Blantyre on 16 May 2014

Former Vice President of Botswana Mompati Sebogodi Merafhe will lead a Commonwealth Observer Group to Malawi's elections on 20 May

Listen to the Chair of the Commonwealth Observer Mission being interviewed by the South African Broadcasting Corporation about the country's fifth National and Provincial Elections.

"A peaceful and credible election with integrity is the best tribute South Africa can offer to the memory of Nelson Mandela as you continue to consolidate your vibrant democracy" - Chair of the Commonwealth Observer Mission to South Africa, Nana Akufo-Addo

World Press Freedom Day is a day to recognise the essential contribution of journalists and journalism to national and international efforts to achieve peace, democracy and diversity.

The Secretary-General enquired from the Speaker about progress being made with the Commonwealth Secretariat’s offer of advice and assistance with legislative drafting.

"The forthcoming elections are a significant milestone for South Africa. They mark the twentieth anniversary of the country’s first democratic elections, and are the first elections after the passing of former President Nelson Mandela" - Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma

Law ministers and attorneys-general from the 53-member Commonwealth will meet in Gaborone, Botswana early next month to discuss law and justice issues affecting Commonwealth citizens

Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma has welcomed developments in Fiji, including the announcement of elections in September 2014.

Interim Statement by the Chair of the Commonwealth Observer Group to Maldives Majlis (Parliamentary) Elections, March 2014

The Commonwealth Charter, adopted by all our member governments on behalf of the people of the Commonwealth, affirms that: ‘We are implacably opposed to all forms of discrimination, whether rooted in gender, race, colour, creed, political belief or other grounds’.

Statement by Hon Bruce Golding, Chair, Commonwealth Observer Group, delivered at Traders Hotel in Malé, Maldives, on 19 March 2014

The Commonwealth and the British Red Cross signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today to help countries minimise suffering during armed conflict.

The flag of the Republic of Fiji went up at the Commonwealth Secretariat gardens in London, following a positive decision to change the status of the country's membership in the organisation.

CMAG decided that Fiji’s current full suspension from the Commonwealth should be changed to suspension from the councils of the Commonwealth, thus permitting Fiji once again to participate in a range of Commonwealth activities.