Commonwealth Secretariat

Published purpose

This project helps to promote and strengthen democracy in Commonwealth member states by supporting the Commonwealth Secretariat's election observation activities. The Secretariat has a strong track record in election observation, having observed and assessed over 70 elections since 1990. Commonwealth observer groups or expert teams are deployed at the request of member state governments. They are professionally organized and designed to ensure regional, gender and professional balance. They are composed of eminent and highly experienced Commonwealth citizens, including Canadians, drawn from countries familiar with democratic processes and institutions. Each Commonwealth mission prepares a comprehensive report that outlines the extent to which elections were carried out in accordance with national and international standards and makes tangible recommendations for the deepening of democracy in the member state. This project is the second phase of support to the Commonwealth Secretariat's election observation activities under the Multilateral Election Observation Program. The Multilateral Election Observation Program uses a whole-of-government approach for Canadian support to multilateral election observation in developing countries. Its main objective is to assist developing countries in their objective to hold democratic elections in line with national and international election standards. Support for election observation contributes to strengthening the electoral process in developing countries.