Democracy

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We promote democracy through advocacy of democratic principles and practical action to help make them a reality.

At the request of member countries, we send experts who promote democracy and strengthen democratic processes and institutions. Some visits are relatively short. For instance, a media expert may visit for a fortnight to help ensure that in the pre-election period the contesting parties all get their fair share of impartial media coverage. A voter registration expert may advise an election body for a week on best practice in the use of Voter ID cards. Other assignments are much longer: one Commonwealth expert provided election advice to a Commonwealth election management body for a full 18 months leading up to an election. This tailored provision of experts is a growing area of work and we foresee even greater use of this facility by member countries in the future.

The observation of elections is one way in which the Commonwealth Secretariat works to strengthen democracy. Observer Groups are asked to consider the various factors impinging on the credibility of the electoral process as a whole and to make a judgement whether or not the elections have been conducted according to the standards for democratic elections to which the country has committed itself, making reference to national election-related legislation and relevant regional, Commonwealth and other international commitments. Each Group's report also contains practical recommendations to help improve electoral arrangements for the future.

What do we mean by ‘neutral stakeholder’?

A neutral stakeholder is a party that remains impartial in terms of the political outcome of an election. Whilst we look at a country’s electoral process and offer constructive comments, we do not take sides.

What do we mean by ‘consensus-building’?

Consensus building refers to our work helping various parties reach general agreements in areas of conflict that all thereafter respect.

What are the Secretariat’s goals in this area?

Our goals are:

• Strengthening democratic processes and institutions
• Promoting the participation of women, youth, other vulnerable groups and civil society organisations in decision-making institutions and processes.

How do we approach countries?

All of our engagement and technical assistance take place following a request from a member country.

How do we measure progress?

We recognise progress step by step in terms of democratic institutions working effectivel, new laws being legislated and democratic culture being instilled.

What do we mean by decision-making institutions?

Decision-making institutions are public sector departments which have executive or legislative responsibilities, such as Ministries of Justice and Attorney-General’s Departments.

Why do we send observers?

The Secretariat sends observers to report on the overall credibility of electoral processes, and the extent to which the election has been conducted in accordance with the country’s own laws as well as relevant international and regional standards for democratic elections to which that country is a signatory.

Do we ever collaborate with other observer groups?

Yes, we do. In 2008 we conducted a joint mission with the Pacific Islands Forum for the elections in Papua New Guinea. In 2008 we observed the local government elections in Sierra Leone in co-operation with the Commonwealth Local Government Forum. In all elections we co-ordinate closely with other internatitonal observer groups present, such as those from regional organisations, as well as NGOs like the National Democratic Institute, the International Republican Institute and the carter centre.

What is the role of a Commonwealth Observer Group?

The observation of elections is one way in which the Commonwealth Secretariat works to strengthen democracy. Observer Groups are asked to consider the various factors impinging on the credibility of the electoral process as a whole and to make a judgement whether or not the elections have been conducted according to the standards for democratic elections to which the country has committed itself, making reference to national election-related legislation and relevant regional, Commonwealth and other international commitments. Each Group's report also contains practical recommendations to help improve electoral arrangements for the future.

Can anyone be an election Observer?

Observers are invited to participate by the Secretary-General. They tend to be eminent persons in their field but are invited in their individual capacity. Teams will reflect a mixed range of profiles, including current or former election commissioners, members of parliament, members of the judiciary, civil society and human rights activists and media specialists.

Does the Secretariat observe all elections in member countries?

No. The Secretariat only observes an election if they receive a request from a government, if the conditions generally provide for credible elections and if the pre-election Assessment Visit concludes that the presence of Commonwealth observers is necessary and would be welcomed by all political parties and civil society, and if the conditions exist for the conduct of a full and comprehensive observation.

What is the role of a Commonwealth Expert Team?

A Commonwealth Expert Team is similar to an Observer Group but will be smaller in size and does not issue public statements on the process. Its mandate is more limited, focusing on the preparations for the election, the Election Day processes and the general environment. It does however still issue a final report at the end with recommendations for possible strengthening of the electoral process.

How many elections has the Commonwealth observed and assessed?

The Commonwealth has observed and assessed over 70 presidential or parliamentary elections in member states since 1990. At the 1989 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 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.

What is the specific role of ‘democracy experts’ who are sent to member countries?

At the request of member countries, we send experts who promote democracy and strengthen democratic processes and institutions.

Some visits are relatively short. For instance, a media expert may visit for a fortnight to help ensure that in the pre-election period the contesting parties all get their fair share of impartial media coverage. A voter registration expert may advise an election body for a week on best practice in the use of Voter ID cards.

Other assignments are much longer: one Commonwealth expert provided election advice to a Commonwealth election management body for a full 18 months leading up to an election. This tailored provision of experts is a growing area of work and we foresee even greater use of this facility by member countries in the future.

Does the Commonwealth have any military forces?

No. We work as a behind-the-scenes consensus builder and do not directly intervene in a country’s affairs.

What is the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association?

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, which links members of national and state parliaments across the Commonwealth. Its mission is to promote the advancement of parliamentary democracy by enhancing knowledge and understanding of democratic governance. Branches now exist in more than 160 national, state, provincial and territorial parliaments, with total membership approaching 15,000 parliamentarians. We work in partnership with the CPA in providing advice on parliamentary procedures as well as increasing the capacity of parliaments to perform effectively.

More about the Commonwealth's work on 'Democracy'

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