Latest content: Promoting Democracy

Members of parliament have a crucial role in countries’ response to the “human rights emergency” caused by Covid-19, the Commonwealth Secretary-General has said.

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC, has strongly urged authorities to investigate allegations regarding the recent general election in the United Republic of Tanzania of serious electoral irregularities, violence and of deaths, particularly in Zanzibar.

Ahead of the 2020 General Elections in the United Republic of Tanzania on 28 October, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC has issued a statement.

The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) held its fifty-seventh meeting by video conference on 19 October 2020.

The Commonwealth Secretariat is supporting women from Africa and the Caribbean in overcoming political hurdles caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Commonwealth Secretariat has published guidance for member states preparing to hold elections during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Commonwealth’s Secretary-General has urged member countries to focus on building a more equal, inclusive and sustainable world, despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

Anti-corruption and asset recovery efforts by agencies in Africa have been praised by the Commonwealth Secretary-General.

Applications are open for eight young people to lead the charge in protecting and promoting human rights across the Commonwealth.

The Commonwealth Secretariat is supporting a Jamaican initiative to get young people in the Caribbean more involved in politics.

If one moment brought us together in our role as an election observer group it was the warm and witty welcome of the Rt. Hon Owen Seymour Arthur in our conference room at the Cara Lodge Hotel.

I extend congratulations to His Excellency Dr Irfan Ali upon his swearing-in as President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana following the declaration of the 2 March General Election and Regional election results on 2 August 2020 by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). 

The participation of an independent candidate and the candidacy of a woman for president were “unprecedented developments” in Namibia’s electoral history, according to a Commonwealth Observer Group.

I note and welcome the 9 July 2020 statement from the Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. The Hon. Ralph Gonsalves, which called on all stakeholders to respect the ruling of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Guyana’s final court of appeal

The Secretary-General congratulates the people of Malawi for their resolute commitment to democracy demonstrated in the conduct of the 23 June 2020 election

The Commonwealth continues to be concerned that the 2 March 2020 General Election process in Guyana is not yet concluded

Commonwealth Secretary-General, The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC, urges all electoral and political stakeholders in Malawi to play their part in contributing to a peaceful and credible presidential election in Malawi on 23 June 2020. 

The Commonwealth Secretariat is supporting “home-grown" initiatives in Malawi designed to help ensure a peaceful and credible re-run of the presidential election. 

I welcome the report of the CARICOM Observer Team to the Recount of the Guyana 2 March 2020 elections and commend them for their brave and selfless service.

The Commonwealth Observer Group (COG) has commended Mozambicans for voting in a largely peaceful and orderly manner during the 2019 Presidential, National and Provincial Assembly elections.

A final report by the Commonwealth Observer Group (COG) says Sri Lanka's 2019 presidential election was well-managed and transparent but urges greater inclusivity in future.

The Commonwealth Observer Group accredited for the 2 March 2020 General and Regional Elections notes the 15 April 2020 statement of Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) indicating that the Commission has decided to conduct a national recount of all ballots cast (Regions 1-10).

On 11 March 2020, the Acting Chief Justice of Guyana was unambiguous that public and transparent tabulation of the Statement of Polls is required to ensure the credibility of the process and address continued contentions regarding the tabulation and declaration of election results.