Promoting political freedom is central to Commonwealth’s values

23 June 2009

“Our challenge is to promote strengthening of democratic institutions that deliver real and tangible benefits and development to the people” - Mmasekgoa Masire-Mwamba

Current approaches towards promoting political freedom and the deepening of democracy will be assessed at a conference part funded by the Commonwealth Secretariat.

This conference, taking place from 22 to 25 June 2009 at Wilton Park in West Sussex, United Kingdom, will examine three key issues:

- What can and should be done to promote political freedom in countries where it is severely limited or does not exist at all?

- How can the promotion of political freedom ensure the delivery of real economic and social improvement in the lives of citizens?

- What needs to be done where political freedom has been established but where democracy now needs to be deepened?

Wilton Park conferences

Wilton Park is an independent agency of the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office that brings together decision-makers and opinion-formers to address pressing global issues.

Speaking at the opening session, Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General Mmasekgoa Masire-Mwamba said the theme of the conference – ‘Promoting Political Freedom and Deepening Democracy’ – is central to the Commonwealth’s values and aspirations.

“Among others, these values entrench the importance and centrality of the provision of democracy,” she explained before describing how the Commonwealth works with its 53 member countries to ensure that they are upheld.

One such way is through the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group, made up of nine foreign ministers. The Group is reconstituted at every Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting and ministers generally serve two terms.

They assess the nature of any infringement of the Commonwealth’s political values and recommend measures for collective action from member countries. Following a country’s suspension, the Commonwealth continues to work with them to restore these values, she said.

Ms Masire-Mwamba also spoke about the Commonwealth’s other efforts to deepen democracy within its membership, including through election observer groups.

“If our work in promoting democracy is to be effective then we need to be clear on the standards states should be aspiring to, be honest about any shortcomings, but supportive in seeking improvements for the future.

“This must be our approach to election observation and our political engagement on elections.”

The conference has been organised in partnership with Election Reform International Services, the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the McDoughall Trust, the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, and the Electoral Reform Society.