Evolution of Commonwealth Timeline Democratic Values

Signed in 2013, the Commonwealth Charter expresses the commitment of member countries to the development of of free and democratic societies and the promotion of peace and prosperity for all. Democracy was originally articulated as a core shared value at the first Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in 1971. It was later given renewed emphasis at CHOGM in 1991, where member re-affirmed their ‘fundamental political values’. For our Overview timeline and and other themed timelines, go to: thecommonwealth.org/electoral-support

DATE CATEGORY EVENT DESCRIPTION 1971 Declarations Singapore Heads agreed on a set of ideals which were and Principles / Principles sets out embraced by all members and provide a basis for Commonwealth Commonwealth’s peace, understanding and goodwill among all nations Values and people. collective values 1989 Declarations Kuala Lumpur Heads agreed that the Commonwealth could and Principles / Communiqué help strengthen democracy in member countries Commonwealth through 'a facility for mounting observer missions'. Values 1991 Declarations Harare Declaration Heads re-affirmed their commitment to the values and Principles / of the Singapore Principles and set out how to apply Commonwealth them in the post-Cold War post- era. Values 1995 Declarations The Millbrook Heads agreed to establish a Commonwealth and Principles / Commonwealth Ministerial Committee Action Group (CMAG) to Commonwealth Action Programme review violations of the Harare Principles. Values on the Harare Declaration (CMAG) 2003 Declarations Aso Rock Heads recognised development and democracy and Principles / Declaration on as mutually reinforcing. 'Broad-based prosperity Commonwealth Development creates the stability conducive to the promotion of Values democracy; and that strong democratic institutions and Democracy: better promote development'. Partnership for Peace and Prosperity D17109 2013 2007 DATE CATEGORY Values Commonwealth and Principles/ Declarations Values Commonwealth and Principles/ Declarations EVENT Charter Commonwealth membership to revised criteriafor Government agreed Heads of DESCRIPTION through free andfair elections.’ participate indemocratic processes, inparticular ‘We recognise theinalienablerightofindividualsto The first paragraph ofthecharter states: free andfair elections. to democracy anddemocratic processes, including applicant country must demonstrate commitment One ofthekey criteria for membership was thatan

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