Democracy in the Commonwealth
Author: Tom Baird
Article Date: 13 Nov 2007
Observer Groups can increase the confidence of voters
In August 2007, the eyes of the international community were fixed on the historic Presidential and Parliamentary Elections in Sierra Leone. This was the first election where the United Nations did not provide logistical support and full responsibility lay with the National Electoral Commission. The promise of a shift in power from one elected government to another, for the first time since the civil war ended in 2002, added to the significance of these independent elections.
As part of its effort to strengthen democracy, the government of Sierra Leone invited organisations, including the Commonwealth Secretariat, to send observer groups to assess the election in a fair and balanced manner, offering conclusions and recommendations.
These elections, which saw the opposition leader Ernest Bai Koroma win power after a presidential run-off, were widely commended by international observers. Kenny Anthony, Chairperson of the Commonwealth Observer Group described it as a “landmark election,” and complimented the “competence, fairness, efficiency and transparency” of the National Electoral Commission.
His was one of 59 Commonwealth Observer Groups that have been sent to presidential or parliamentary elections in member states since 1990.
At the 1989 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, leaders agreed that election observation was one area where the Secretariat could make a distinct contribution to strengthening democratic institutions in member countries. Heads, therefore, established a High Level Group to agree a set of guidelines, which were finalised two year later.
In October 2005, the Commonwealth Secretariat became an international signatory to the Declaration of Principles and Code of Conduct for observer missions, which states that international observers should “provide an impartial and accurate assessment of the nature of election processes for the benefit of the population of the country.”
On the ground, the work of observer groups requires an understanding of the registration process, the election campaigns, coverage from the national media and other aspects relating to the administration and preparation for the election.
Different observer groups often have different approaches. Some focus their attention on the registration process, while others use their resources to concentrate on visiting remote regions of a country. It is important, however, that they work together.
“Observer groups have different information and resources at their disposal. Sharing this information should increase the quality and accuracy of the assessment of an election process by observers. As far as possible, observer groups should try to avoid issuing contradictory messages, which is why it is important for international observer groups to share findings and try to agree a consistent and common assessment,” said a spokesman from the Election Team at the European Commission.
The European Commission is one of a number of organisations with whom the Secretariat collaborates when it sends observer groups to countries such as Nigeria, where elections took place in April 2007.
The European Commission’s spokesman asserts that international observers bring a significant amount of expertise and that their profile -- with members often including former Prime Minsters and Presidents -- attracts worldwide media coverage. For example, Dr Anthony, who chaired the Commonwealth Observer Group in Sierra Leone, is a former Prime Minister of St Lucia, in the Caribbean.
Christiana Thorpe, Chairperson and Chief Electoral Commissioner of the National Electoral Commission in Sierra Leone, says that the international presence which groups bring, demonstrates that “a country’s democratic practices are acceptable to the whole world.” She adds that the “rigorous and strong support from the Commonwealth” gives the “local people confidence to participate in the process.”
After receiving a request from a member government, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Don McKinnon ensures that each observer group has a representative for civil society, the media, the judiciary, politicians, electoral officials, gender and youth so that the “support” noted by Dr Thorpe, reaches the entire country.
The Youth representative in the Sierra Leone elections was Ahmed Mahloof, who is Deputy Chair of the Commonwealth Asia Regional Youth Caucus. Part of his work involved speaking to young people about their thoughts on the election.
“In every country the future is in the hands of young people. They have a vision for their future, so it is crucial that they decide who they want. The people in Sierra Leone hope they can get a better life and because of the way the elections were run, the promise of that better life can now be realised for them,” he said.
As well as groups formed by international organisations, with representatives like Mr Mahloof from the Maldives, domestic observers are also present throughout elections and are “increasing in professionalism and credibility all the time,” according to the spokesman from the European Commission. He adds: “In the long run it is hoped that the role of international observers will become less important as domestic observers grow in stature, credibility and influence.”
While the confidence and ability of domestic observers in many Commonwealth countries develops, the Secretariat continues to send observers to report on the credibility of electoral processes. An invitation to assess the forthcoming elections in Kenya this December has already been received. In Kenya, as was the case in Sierra Leone and a number of other member countries, a Commonwealth Observer Group will collaborate with other international organisations and produce thorough assessments and recommendations to ensure that democracy is strengthened and embedded across the Commonwealth.