THE SECRETARY-GENERAL OF THE COMMONWEALTH, Mr. Kamalesh Sharma, has specifically emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law amid the current issues in Vanuatu in accordance with the Commonwealth values and principals.
In the statement released on 18 October the Secretary-General stated that;
“The Commonwealth Charter is clear that governments, political parties and civil society are all responsible for upholding and promoting democratic culture and practices. All are accountable to the public,” the Secretary-General said. “The people of Vanuatu understandably and reasonably expect the rule of law and their constitution to prevail.”
In particular, Mr Sharma emphasised the importance attached to political space, “The Commonwealth contributed to a dialogue process for Vanuatu’s political leaders in February 2015, which has produced a road map of political reform to strengthen the country’s democratic processes and institutions. The Commonwealth is committed to working with political leaders and all concerned to take forward these reforms.”
The Secretary-General also commented on the current court proceedings concerning some Members of Parliament. “It is important for all concerned in Vanuatu to be patient, restrained and respectful of the rule of law. That is the Commonwealth way,” he concluded.
Source: http://thecommonwealth.org/media/news/secretary-general-calls-restraint-and-respect-rule-law-vanuatu
Picture: http://newsfirst.lk/english/2014/10/kamalesh-sharma-arrive-sri-lanka/59802
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