thebahamasweekly.com - Commonwealth marks 40 years of promoting democracy through election observation

From:TheBahamasWeekly.com

International
Commonwealth marks 40 years of promoting democracy through election observation
By The Commonwealth
Sep 9, 2020 - 9:20:29 AM

The Commonwealth Secretariat is commemorating four decades of international election observation and its contribution to democracy.

A two-day symposium will reflect on the Commonwealth’s electoral history, and the trends which have influenced elections, with the aim of helping stakeholders learn from experiences and improve and adapt for the future.

Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland will deliver the keynote address on 15 September 2020.

All media (press and broadcast) interested in interviewing the Secretary-General remotely are requested to enquire in writing to t.kalejaiye@commonwealth.int

Members of the press are invited to listen in and cover the symposium, which will be held on 15 and 16 September 2020.

Please register via the Symposium Channel : https://www.gotostage.com/channel/8d4980e30f0c43068174d4cfc598895b

Please note, you will have to register separately for each session in the channels above.

15 September 2020, 2pm BST

Topic: Reflecting on the Commonwealth’s Electoral History and Evolution: Personal Perspectives

Speakers

·        Dr Lawrence Gonzi, Prime Minister of Malta (2004-2013)

·        HE Dr Goodluck Jonathan, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (2010-2015)

·        HE Bruce Golding, Prime Minister of Jamaica (2007-2011)

·        Zainab Bangura, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Nairobi

·        HE Mmasekgoa Masire-Mwamba, Deputy Secretary General of the Commonwealth (2008-2014)

·        Dr Rajen Prasad QSO, Commonwealth Special Envoy to Lesotho (2014-2016)

16 September 2020, 12pm BST

Topic: Key Electoral Trends Influencing the Last 40 Years

Speakers

·        Dr Kwadwo Afari-Gyan, Chairman, Electoral Commission of Ghana (1993-2015)

·        Olufunto Akinduro, Senior Programme Officer- Elections (Africa and West Asia), International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), Nigeria

·        Hon. Sana Ullah Baloch, Member of the Balochistan Provincial Assembly, Pakistan

·        Lomcebo Dlamini, Human Rights Lawyer, Eswatini

·        Dr Eric Kwa, Secretary of the Department of Justice and Attorney General, Papua New Guinea

·        Dr Lisa Ann Vasciannie, Lecturer, University of West Indies, Mona, Jamaica.