The Commonwealth

Commonwealth observers have now been deployed across The Bahamas to observe pre-poll arrangements ahead of the vote on 12 May. They are engaging with local stakeholders on the ground, including polling officials, in order to gain an understanding of the polling day set-up and preparations across polling stations. #CommonwealthElections🗳️

🌊 The Commonwealth Youth Photography Competition 2026 is now open! Submit your photo before #WorldOceansDay on 8 June 2026: bit.ly/42MkIcJ This year’s theme, Waves of Change, is an opportunity to tell your story of connection to the ocean and waterways through photography. Four categories to enter: 🔵 Human–Ocean Connection 🟢 Hope & Resilience 🔴 Threats & Challenges 🟡 Innovative Solutions Organised in partnership with @RoyalCWSociety & the @CityofLondon Youth Natural Environment Board, the competition is open to all Commonwealth nationals or residents aged 18–30 and is free to enter.

Register | Joint seminar on #EmpoweringYoungWomen in Politics Experts identifying practical ways to increase women’s political participation Date: 13 May 2026 Time: 3PM – 4:30PM (UTC+1) Location: Hybrid - in person in London, UK & online Register ⬇ cpahq.org/events/joint-s…

The Commonwealth Observer Group is continuing its stakeholder engagement and has met with representatives from both private and public media to better understand the media landscape, including media ownership, how they operate, access to information, and the working conditions for journalists and how they shape the election environment. #CommonwealthElections 🗳️

As is customary, the Commonwealth Observer Group paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Philip Davis of The Bahamas ahead of the forthcoming elections. The meeting provided an opportunity for the Group to formally convey its mandate, reaffirm its commitment to supporting transparent, credible, and peaceful democratic processes.

#CommonwealthElections 🗳️

The Group also met with representatives of political parties contesting the General Election to learn more about the political environment and preparations for the vote, and hear their perspectives ahead of the 12 May poll. #CommonwealthElections 🗳️

The Commonwealth Observer Group met with the team at the Parliamentary Registration Department responsible for managing The Bahamas’ 12 May General Election to assess the level of preparedness and gain a better understanding of the logistical, administrative, and operational arrangements put in place ahead of the vote. #CommonwealthElections 🗳️

It is with deep sorrow that I learnt of the passing of His Excellency Festus Gontebanye Mogae, former President of the Republic of Botswana. President Mogae was a visionary statesman whose leadership transformed Botswana’s healthcare sector and socio-economic development. He dedicated a great deal of his time and experience to Commonwealth initiatives, including chairing several election observer missions. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and the people of Botswana.

The Commonwealth Observer Group, led by former Jamaican Prime Minister Hon Bruce Golding, met with the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court to gain an understanding of the legal framework governing the elections. The team also engaged with National Youth Ambassadors to assess inclusivity and youth participation in the electoral process. The Group also held meetings with representatives of foreign missions, including the UK High Commissioner and the US Chargé d’Affaires. #CommonwealthElections🗳️

Commonwealth countries could unlock an estimated US$73.2bn in diaspora investment every year. At a new Commonwealth roundtable, policymakers, investors and partners explored how diaspora finance can drive trade, resilience and sustainable growth. In The Gambia alone, remittances reached US$872m in 2025 — 30% of GDP. Read more 🔗thecommonwealth.org/news/african-d…

The Commonwealth’s 1.6 billion young people are its greatest asset. They must be central to our work at the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. Warm congratulations to the four young people selected as #CHOGM2026 correspondents. It is encouraging to see such strong voices stepping forward to amplify the priorities that will shape our discussions in Antigua and Barbuda.

Meet the #CHOGM2026 correspondents! Through digital storytelling and behind-the-scenes coverage, these young communicators will help bring the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting to audiences across our 56 member countries. 🔗 Find out more: bit.ly/4uEAQZI

The Commonwealth Observer Group started engaging with stakeholders as part of its mandate to undertake wide consultations as The Bahamas prepares to go to the polls on 12 May. They met with the Governor-General, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Commissioner of Police and the Coalition of Independents political party. #CommonwealthElections🗳️

Thank you @BIDC_EBID for a very productive discussion with the leadership of the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development. We share a common goal of supporting five of the Bank’s regional shareholders to achieve national development goals.

Strengthening partnerships for sustainable development in West Africa. EBID welcomed H.E. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Commonwealth Secretary-General, for a high-level engagement on shared priorities: youth, energy transition & inclusive growth. Driving impact through collaboration.

What does your ocean look like? 🌊 Start taking your photograph now! @commonwealthsec @cityyneb The Commonwealth Youth Photography Competition 2026 is open. This year's theme is Waves of Change, and we want to see the ocean and other waterways through your eyes. Submit one photograph. Show us what change looks like in your world. Open to all Commonwealth nationals or residents aged 18–30 . Free to enter. Entries close 8 June 2026 (World Oceans Day). Four categories to enter: 🔵 Human-Ocean Connection 🟢 Hope & Resilience 🔴 Threats & Challenges 🟡 Innovative Solutions 🔗royalcwsociety.org/environment/cy… #CYPC #WavesOfChange #Photography #YoungPhotographers #PhotoCompetition

Thank you President @FEGnassingbe for the warm reception and productive discussions with you, Minister Robert Dussey and Minister Edem Tengue. We spoke about ways to support Togo’s goals on trade and investment, including value addition, youth entrepreneurship and the blue economy, among others. Togo is a model in setting up a Commonwealth Unit to deepen its cooperation with the Commonwealth and transform the lives of its people. @PresidenceTg @DiplomatieTogo