Commonwealth Parliamentary Association

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) has brought together parliamentarians from across the Commonwealth to support and strengthen parliamentary democracy since its establishment in 1911. 

Working with over 60 countries and jurisdictions across the Commonwealth, including Jersey, the CPA designs tailored programmes and projects to support and enable knowledge-sharing and the development of parliamentary good-practice.  Programmes are intended to enhance parliamentary oversight, scrutiny and representation.

Jersey has been a member of the Association since 1961.  States Members represent the Island at annual regional and global conferences. Jersey's work with the CPA is important because it raises awareness of Jersey on an international stage and helps raise awareness of parliamentary best practice.

Parliamentarians from the UK and Jersey's States Assembly participate in regular joint activities facilitated by the CPA British Islands and Mediterranean Region (CPA BIMR), of which CPA UK is the Secretariat. Most recently, CPA UK on behalf of CPA BIMR, conducted an Election Observation Mission in Jersey for the 2022 election.

What is the Commonwealth?

The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 53 independent and equal sovereign states.  It is home to 2.4 billion people; over 60% of whom are under 30. Leaders of the Commonwealth meet every two years to discuss issues of mutual concern and interest.

Commonwealth nations work together to implement shared values and principles which are set out in the Commonwealth Charter.

CPA Regions

CPA Branches are divided into nine geographic regions, and each region engages in its own programme of activities. The Regions are:

• Africa
• Asia
• Australia
• British Islands and Mediterranean (BIM)
• Canada
• Caribbean
• Americas and Atlantic (CAA)
• India
• Pacific
• South-East Asia

CPA Jersey is part of the British Islands and Mediterranean Region (BIMR), with the UKA CPA serving as the Secretariat.

Along with CPA Jersey, the other branches that make up CPA BIMR are:

Read more on the CPA website.