Latest content: Promoting Democracy

There cannot be a properly functioning democracy without a free and responsible press - Commonwealth Secretariat

Departure Statement

Concluding Statement

Senior officials from Commonwealth countries advanced the Commonwealth’s reform and renewal agenda this week as they met on 12 and 13 April to examine recommendations to strengthen the association.

Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma has welcomed the peaceful transition in Malawi and congratulated President Joyce Banda on assuming the leadership of the country, following the sudden death of President Bingu wa Mutharika.

The Spokesperson for Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma says the Secretary-General is closely monitoring developments in Papua New Guinea, and is concerned that the rule of law, including constitutional democracy and the independence of the judiciary be steadfastly upheld.

‘Act in the best interests of the nation’ – Sir Donald McKinnon

Commonwealth Special Envoy Rt Hon Sir Donald McKinnon attended the opening of the Majlis -- the Maldives Parliament -- today.

The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group held a teleconference today, to continue its consideration of the situation in Maldives. Statement by the Acting Chair.

The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group held a teleconference today, to continue its consideration of the situation in Maldives.

“The visit has enabled me to gain a direct and up-to-date understanding of developments in Fiji. I have heard differing perspectives on some issues, but a welcome willingness among all to find ways to move Fiji forward” - Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General

Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General Mmasekgoa Masire-Mwamba concluded her three-day visit to Fiji on 9 March.

Deputy Secretary-General arrives in Suva for talks with the Government of Fiji and others

Video: Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chambas, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa

Parliament is the heart of a democracy. The Commonwealth finds it unacceptable that the State Opening of the Majlis of Maldives has been disrupted, and the offices of the President and Speaker have been seriously disrespected.

Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma announced today the appointment of the Rt Hon Sir Donald McKinnon as his Special Envoy to Maldives, following consultations with political leaders in Maldives.

The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) met in extraordinary session in London today to consider its response to the situation in Maldives.

Ministers to discuss findings of ministerial mission

Departure statement by CMAG ministerial mission

Arrival statement of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group to Maldives

A Commonwealth ministerial mission is due to arrive in the Maldives capital, Malé, on 17 February to ascertain the facts surrounding the transfer of power last week in the South Asian state.

Peaceful and well organised election with an impressive turn-out, but democratic reforms must be urgently pursued

Extraordinary Teleconference of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG)

Statement by the Chair on behalf of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) regarding the situation in the Republic of Maldives.

Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma spoke to President Mohamed Waheed and former President Mohamed Nasheed on 9 February 2012.