A delegation from Commonwealth Parliamentary Association International Headquarters met with the Parliament of Nauru from 19 to 23 January 2026 as part of a CPA Benchmarks self-assessment exercise.

The CPA’s Benchmarks for Democratic Legislatures provide a framework for excellence in Commonwealth parliamentary and legislative practice and, building on the 2006 and 2018 versions of the Benchmarks, were updated in 2025 to create a set of standards which meet high levels of good governance and robust parliamentary democracy. In recent years, a total of 43 Commonwealth Legislatures have undertaken self-assessments against the CPA Benchmarks. The Parliament of Nauru is now the 44th to do so.

The Parliament of Nauru has 19 Members, elected for a three-year term in multi-seat constituencies. The President of Nauru is elected by the Members of the Parliament. Nauru is an island country in the South Pacific Ocean, the third smallest country in the world with a population of around 12,000 people.

The CPA Democratic Benchmarks self-assessment was undertaken by Anne Sargent, Deputy Clerk of the Legislative Council at the Parliament of Victoria and Fraser McIntosh, Good Governance Project Manager at the CPA Headquarters.

As part of their visit, the CPA delegation met with the Speaker of the Parliament of Nauru, Hon. Marcus Stephen, MP and the Parliament of Nauru’s Clerk, Ms Ann-Marie Cain, as well as wider Members and staff from across the House.

The CPA team also held discussions with a range of other stakeholders including Nauru’s Government; Electoral Commission, Attorney-General and Auditor-General, in addition to representatives of Nauruan civil society groups and media outlets.

Speaking about the CPA Democratic Benchmarks self-assessment, the Speaker of Nauru’s Parliament, Hon. Marcus Stephen, said:

“On behalf of the Parliament of Nauru, and in my capacity as Speaker, I welcome the visit of the CPA Programmes Manager and Parliamentary Officer from our twinning Parliament in Victoria to undertake the CPA Benchmarks Exercise.

I am very confident that through such visits and reviews a definite road map will be set which will be useful for our Parliament as there is always room for improvement. This exercise will not only help us in strengthening Parliamentary oversight but also ensure that our systems of checks and balances are the best they can be. I see the CPA Benchmarks Exercise as a commencement towards an eventual and fruitful outcome in the form of longer-term technical assistance for Nauru’s Parliament from the CPA.”

The Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, Stephen Twigg, said:

“Effective Parliaments are the cornerstone of good governance, and the CPA works to ensure that Legislatures can function to their maximum potential. Self-assessment against the CPA Benchmarks ensures that Parliaments can vigorously scrutinise their practices and procedures to become better performing Legislatures tomorrow than they are today. In addition, the CPA Benchmarks self-assessments have strengthened and continue to develop public outreach, engagement and confidence across the Commonwealth.”

Following last week’s visit to Yaren in Nauru, an Outcomes Report from the CPA Benchmarks self-assessment will be generated with Recommendations for democratic reform to strengthen parliamentary institutions in Nauru. The Report will play an important role in developing the effectiveness of the Parliament of Nauru and help contribute towards its continued implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The CPA Benchmarks Self-Assessment was supported with funding from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). CPA Benchmarks self-assessments are usually followed by  Technical Assistance Programmes which could involve updating the Legislature’s Rules of Procedure, delivering professional training for Members and parliamentary staff, or developing corporate policies and multi-annual strategic plans.

To find out more about this work please email hq.sec@cpahq.org. The CPA’s Benchmarks for Democratic Legislatures are also available to download from the CPA website.

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The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) is an international community of 180 Parliaments and Legislatures working together to deepen the Commonwealth’s commitment to the highest standards of democratic governance. Founded in 1911, the CPA brings together Members of Parliament and parliamentary staff to identify benchmarks of good governance and implement the enduring values of the Commonwealth. It offers a vast opportunity for Parliamentarians and parliamentary staff to collaborate on issues of mutual interest and to share good practice.