(Commonwealth)_ In the weeks leading up to the September 1 polls, there has been a Commonwealth team in hot dialogue with leaders and parties in attempts to read the shifting country politics. The mandate, in dialogue with party leadership and governments, was to conduct further discussions, to see how prepared the polls were, and to witness free and fair democratic processes.
The Commonwealth Group wanted to develop a composite image of the political scene, offering counsel to numerous stakeholders from across politics. The group reached out to party leaders from the ALP, AFC, APNU, FGM, PPP/C, and WIN. The exercise afforded the delegates close familiarity with stakeholders of relative priority, issues, and policy recommendations and an excellent insight into issues and the potential of the country to ready themselves for the forthcoming elections.
The engagement is a demonstration of the Commonwealth’s action toward inclusive and fair electoral practices. The organization, in engaging political actors, aims to promote the development of a democratic culture driven by democracy standards, transparency, and accountability. The interventions are especially important in less developed or emerging democracies, where external criticism and examination may assist in offering enhanced public confidence in the electoral process.
The mission plan involved both official reception and private discussions with the party leadership, aiming to gauge the political climate at the grassroots level. The delegates discussed topics such as voter education, election funding, election management, and provisions for ensuring equality of participation. Through direct access to party leaders, the Commonwealth Group was able to confront the readiness of political actors to ally themselves within the electoral process and accommodate democratic norms.
In addition to observing the political arena, the Commonwealth team also observed young people’s participation and gender representation in the political process. Inclusion of the youths in the political process and the equal involvement of women in politics are central aspects of a peaceful democracy. During interaction with parties, the team went out of their way to identify what every party was engaged in, specifically in these areas and sectors of additional assistance and support.
The consultations also provided a forum to address wider issues of governance, including building institutions, compliance with constitutional provisions, and upholding the rule of law. Through the exchange of experience and the learning of best practices with other Commonwealth members, the delegation aimed to promote reform and action that reflect higher electoral integrity and greater public trust in democratic outcomes.
Commonwealth Group intervention represents a broad mandate aimed at assisting member states to conduct free, fair, and credible elections. Interventions form part of global efforts to enhance democratic standards, ensure peaceful political competition, and give citizens the confidence that their votes would be counted and considered exactly.
In light of September 1st elections in view, the nature of such consultations will inform the Commonwealth general observation and assistance strategy. The mission will remain on standby to track events, give proper advice as may be required, and offer technical assistance in pursuit of ensuring the electoral process is international standard.
Overall, Commonwealth Group’s political party activities show a participatory commitment to democracy, political participation, and openness. By providing avenues for the participation of various stakeholders and facilitating dialogue, the group is instrumental in strengthening democratic institutions and processes and thereby a representative and stable governmental system for the country.
