MAURITIUS: ELECTORAL and political stakeholders have been urged to understand that the role of the Southern African Development Community Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) is to assess the Member State’s adherence to the SADC principles and guidelines governing democratic elections.
The Head of SEOM, former Chief Justice Muhammed Chande Othman said yesterday during the official launch of the mission in Port Louis, Mauritius that SEOM’s job is to assess the adherence of SADC principles and guidelines during election processes.
He was speaking on behalf of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, the Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.
The National Assembly Elections in the Republic of Mauritius is expected to be held on 10th November this year. CJ Chande highlighted the extensive electoral calendar across the SADC region, noting that by year-end, elections will have taken place in seven member states, encompassing nearly 130 million citizens.
He also acknowledged the support from SADC member states, emphasising their provision of resources and observers.
He outlined SADC’s comprehensive election observation framework, which spans pre-election, election and post-election phases, in accordance with the revised SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections (2021).
“These guidelines are informed by regional and international instruments, including the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance and relevant United Nations conventions,” he said.
The SEOM, consisting of 73 personnel, including 35 deployable observers from eight SADC member states, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Eswatini and Tanzania, will be stationed across Mauritius’s ten administrative districts.
The observers, having undergone a four-day training programme, will monitor electoral processes such as campaign activities, polling station accessibility, voting procedures and ballot counting.
Their observations will ensure that the elections adhere to principles of fairness, transparency and respect for democratic values.
Mr Chande said that the key elements for a credible electoral process, including freedom of expression, human rights, impartial electoral management and equal media access for political parties.
“It is essential for all stakeholders to understand that the SEOM’s mandate is to assess adherence to the SADC Principles,” he remarked.
Moreover, he confirmed that a Pre-Election Assessment Goodwill Mission had earlier found Mauritius prepared to hold the elections.
The SEOM will issue a preliminary statement on November 12, providing initial findings of the electoral process.
Director, Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, Prof Kula Theletsane, speaking on behalf of the SADC Executive Secretary, Elias Magosi, reiterated the significance of SADC’s commitment to democratic governance.
He outlined the role of SEOM in engaging with various stakeholders, ensuring a transparent observation process.
The SEOM’s engagement in Mauritius is complemented by support from the SADC Organ Troika, consisting of members from Tanzania, Malawi and Zambia, as well as assistance from the SADC Electoral Advisory Council.
Key figures, including Retired Justice Fauz Abdallah Twaib of Tanzania and Madam Elodie Ntamuzinda W’Igulu of the Democratic Republic of Congo, are part of the advisory council supporting this mission.
Both CJ Chande and Prof Theletsane urged all registered voters in Mauritius to exercise their civic duty peacefully and responsibly.
The SEOM’s mission is to uphold electoral integrity and ensure the democratic process aligns with regional and international standards.
The launch marks a critical step in SADC’s ongoing commitment to democracy in the region, as all eyes now turn to Mauritius for its pivotal National Assembly Elections.
