In the past , CHOGMs have attempted to orchestrate common policies on certain contentious issues and current events , with a special focus on issues affecting member nations . CHOGMs have discussed the continuation of apartheid rule in South Africa and how to end it , military coups in Pakistan and Fiji , and allegations of electoral fraud in Zimbabwe . Sometimes the member states agree on a common idea or solution , and release a joint statement declaring their opinion . More recently , beginning at the 1997 CHOGM , the meeting has had an official ' theme ' , set by the host nation , on which the primary discussions have been focused
1997 CHOGM
Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 1997
Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting