GABORONE: HEAD of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM), Mr Mizengo Pinda has urged the observers to adhere to all the principles of election.
The ex-Tanzanian Prime Minister said this while officially concluding a special training session for election observers from member states, where also he awarded them certificates of participation.
Pinda urged the SADC observers to adhere to all the principles and guidelines provided during their training to ensure the success of their oversight responsibilities.
“You have been here for four days and I hope you have internalised the training you received. I urge you to follow and respect all principles and guidelines given by the trainers. Know that the work has now begun; it is time to effectively execute your oversight duties,” he said.
The four-day training, conducted by SADC in preparation for the Botswana General Elections scheduled for October 30th, this year, took place in Gaborone, Botswana, from October 17th to 20th, this year.
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Facilitated by trainers from the SADC Secretariat and the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA), the training covered various policy and legal issues relevant to Botswana, as well as regional and international frameworks governing elections, with the aim of strengthening democracy and good governance in the region.
Observers were equipped with knowledge and skills regarding democratic election standards and regulations, revised SADC guidelines for democratic elections and election observation during public health emergencies, such as the Covid-19 pandemic.
The training also enhanced understanding of the electoral cycle, evaluated stages of the electoral process, and provided data collection skills, including the use of tablets for gathering and submitting information.
On October 30th, this year, citizens of Botswana will vote for members of the country’s 13th Parliament and local council representatives.
A total of 61 seats in the National Assembly and 609 local council seats will be contested using a first-past-the-post voting system.
The SEOM will deploy observers to all districts, cities and towns across Botswana to monitor the pre-election phase, polling day and post-election processes throughout the upcoming General Elections.