Latest content: Promoting Democracy

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

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

Extraordinary Teleconference of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG)

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

A Secretariat team has arrived in Maldives to explore how the Commonwealth can respond to the country’s urgent priorities

"The Commonwealth Secretariat welcomes the invitation of the Government of Maldives to assist in addressing its current challenges. A Secretariat delegation will visit Maldives shortly for discussions with key interlocutors"

Report of CMAG as adopted by the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, 2011

“We welcome and encourage the commitment of Pakistan and indeed all 54 member governments to the values and principles which have made the Commonwealth unique and widely respected” - Kamalesh Sharma

The Commonwealth also welcomes the announcement of national consultations on a new constitution commencing in February 2012

Final Report

Many benchmarks for democratic elections were met, though shortcomings remain to be addressed

Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma on 19 December 2011 welcomed the Sri Lankan Government’s release of the Report of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission.

"Final results still awaited but up to now the process has been well managed and generally peaceful. Some concerns regarding aspects of the campaign but overall the election represents further progress for Guyana"

Despite peaceful and technically sound elections democratic reforms are needed.

Arrival Statement

Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma today announced that a Commonwealth Election Assessment Team will be deployed for the 28 November 2011 elections in Saint Lucia, following an invitation from the Prime Minister, Hon Stephenson King.

Former Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Secretary-General, the Honourable Denis Marshall QSO, who also served as a minister in the New Zealand government, will lead a 15-member Commonwealth Observer Group (COG) for general and regional elections in Guyana, scheduled to take place on 28 November 2011.

A Commonwealth Expert Team will observe the presidential elections due to take place on 24 November 2011 in The Gambia, Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma announced today. The Team has been constituted at the invitation of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) of The Gambia and following a recent high-level political assessment mission to The Gambia led by Deputy Secretary-General Mmasekgoa Masire-Mwamba.

Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General launches Governance Yearbook 2011/12

Commonwealth leaders meeting in Perth, Australia, have welcomed the interest shown by the Government of South Sudan in joining the Commonwealth

Approval in Perth follows recommendation of the Group set up to deal with serious or persistent violations of Commonwealth values and principles

Elections were credible and represent further progress for Zambia, though some shortcomings remain to be addressed

Final Report

Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General issues departure statement after visit to the country