ABUJA, Nigeria, Feb. 9 – The Commonwealth is at an advanced stage of preparations for the monitoring of elections in Nigeria, Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General Mmasekgoa Masire-Mwamba said on Wednesday at the end of a four-day visit to the West African country.

During her visit, Ms Masire-Mwamba and her delegation engaged key actors and stakeholders involved in the forthcoming elections, and re-affirmed the Commonwealth’s support and expectations for a peaceful and credible process.

She spoke at a news conference in the Nigerian capital, Abuja.

“The Commonwealth takes a keen interest in elections across its membership. Nigeria is a valued member with whom we have a strong and mutual beneficial engagement. It is also a key member of the association which contributes and participates actively in Commonwealth activities – including hosting CHOGM in 2003, and producing a Secretary-General of the Commonwealth,” Ms Masire-Mwamba said.

“Nigeria is a leader on the continent, playing a significant role in promoting peace, and in regional economic growth and development.

“It matters to the Commonwealth, Africa and the world that Nigeria and other member states conduct credible elections.

“Since arriving in Abuja on Sunday, I have met with leaders of political parties, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), civil society representatives and the international community. I have listened to their views on how the process is going, and discussed the progress as well as the challenges.  In all our meetings, we have had candid and open discussions.

“Stakeholders have noted positive steps in the preparations so far. I am hopeful that if all actors – politicians, civil society, the public, and you, members of the media continue to play your expected roles, there can be an outcome that reflects the will and aspirations of the people.

“Any election is a complex and challenging undertaking and requires the cooperation and support of all stakeholders. Political leaders and parties must display political will to ensure a credible process. The people need to show faith in the democratic process and participate in it. It is crucial that violence is avoided by all means, and the rule of law must be allowed to prevail. All must ensure that both the process and outcome meet Commonwealth values as well as international and regional electoral benchmarks to which Nigeria has committed itself.

“On our part, we will remain engaged and offer support and assistance as requested.

“We wish the people of Nigeria a most successful, peaceful and credible election,” Ms Masire-Mwamba concluded.

For media enquiries, please contact Julius Mucunguzi, Media Officer, on +234 7063597240 or +44 7894 593 517, email: j.mucunguzi@commonwealth.int

The post Commonwealth calls for free, fair and credible elections in Nigeria first appeared on Uganda Multimedia News & Information.

Deputy Secretary-General to Caricom: the Commonwealth is a trusted partner of the Caribbean

Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General Ransford Smith will visit Jamaica 4-7 July 2010 to attend a summit of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) in Montego Bay.

He will brief leaders on progress in the implementation of mandates from 2009 Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, including the launch of the Network of Electoral Management Bodies, a review of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) and the convening of the Eminent Persons Group. Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago are current members of CMAG.

Mr Smith will hold discussions with Caribbean heads of government, including Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding, focusing on matters of interest to the Commonwealth and the Caribbean.

“The Caribbean is a very important and valued region of the Commonwealth. One of the Commonwealth’s core strengths is addressing the varied concerns of small and vulnerable states,” Mr Smith said.

While in Jamaica Mr Smith will also visit a project on financial literacy, one of the Commonwealth’s success stories in the Caribbean, and implemented in partnership with the Caribbean Institute of Media and Communication (Carimac).

For media enquiries and to interview Mr Smith, please contact Ms Yvonne Chin on +1 876 404 6320 and y.chin@commonwealth.int.

Cathy Price Administrative Assistant Communications & Public Affairs Division   Commonwealth Secretariat Marlborough House Pall Mall London SW1Y 5HX United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0) 20 7747 6386    Fax: Direct +44 (0) 20 7004 3771  General: +44 (0) 20 7839 9081 Web: www.thecommonwealth.org

The post Commonwealth Deputy Secretary General Ransford Smith to attend Caricom summit in Jamaica first appeared on Uganda Multimedia News & Information.