“We live in countries where the people own the Government and not in countries where the Government owns the people.” Winston Churchill, 1936
As confirmed by Heads of Government in the Harare Declaration, representative democracy is a fundamental principle that is widely shared by all the countries and peoples of the Commonwealth. Commonwealth governments, civil society organizations and business work together to build stronger democratic institutions, processes, and citizenship within member countries.
To support the principles of free and open elections, good governance, the rule of law, and respect for human rights, Commonwealth agencies provide educational material, training and technical assistance, especially in the area of public administration and election management.
The conduct of fair and open elections for public office is critical to establishing well functioning democratic institutions, including national parliaments and executives. Read more
The practice of good governance is a shared value of the Commonwealth and a fundamental element of democratic government. Read more
By treating everyone as equal before the law, the principle of rule of law protects citizens against the arbitrary and abusive use of government power, and is considered an essential element in democracy, good governance and human rights. Read more
Respect for the rights of individuals, including the freedom of thought and expression, is a fundamental feature of democratic societies. Read more
The maintenance of peace and civil order within and between States is the foundation for political democracy and for economic development. Read more
