DAR ES SALAAM: The SADC Organ on Politics Defence and Security has called on Namibians to embrace peace and unity ahead of the anticipated toughest election slated for Wednesday Nov 27.
The Chairperson of the SADC organ and Tanzania’s President, Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan urged in a press communique on Tuesday that all political actors in Namibia and their supporters to secure a successful, calm, peaceful election day and post-election period by acting responsibly.
President Samia said in line with the revised SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections (2021), which was adopted by all its Member States, SADC has deployed its Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) to Namibia to observe the country’s pre-election phase, polling day and the post-election processes.
According to President Samia, the aim is to ensure Namibia adheres to the relevant provisions of the SADC Principles and Guidelines.
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“These Principles and Guidelines promote regular, free, fair, transparent, credible and peaceful democratic elections as key markers of democracy and good governance in the Southern African region,” she stated.
She added; “As a region, we look forward to electoral processes that adhere to democratic values and principles envisioned in our SADC Treaty, the SADC Protocol on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, and the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections (2021).”
Moreover, she called upon all Namibian eligible voters to turn out and participate to vote and decide on the future of their country’s leadership.
Furthermore, the chairperson commended Namibia’s exemplary reputation of being a peaceful nation that upholds democratic principles and conducts peaceful elections across its regions with minor challenges noting that it is their belief that it’s citizens will once again showcase the delivery of an election process adherent to cornerstone democratic principles and the SADC Principles and Guidelines, both on and in the aftermath of election day.
“Finally, I join the people of our region, SADC, to wish the Government and the Republic of Namibia a successful and peaceful election,” she concluded.
