MAURITIUS: ELECTORAL and political stakeholders have been urged to know that the position of the Southern African Development Community Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) is to evaluate the Member State’s adherence to the SADC ideas and tips governing democratic elections.

The Head of SEOM, former Chief Justice Muhammed Chande Othman mentioned yesterday through the official launch of the mission in Port Louis, Mauritius that SEOM’s job is to evaluate the adherence of SADC ideas and tips throughout election processes.

He was talking on behalf of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, the Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.

The National Assembly Elections within the Republic of Mauritius is anticipated to be held on tenth November this yr. CJ Chande highlighted the intensive electoral calendar throughout the SADC area, noting that by year-end, elections could have taken place in seven member states, encompassing practically 130 million residents.

He additionally acknowledged the help from SADC member states, emphasising their provision of assets and observers.

He outlined SADC’s complete election remark 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 mentioned.

The SEOM, consisting of 73 personnel, together with 35 deployable observers from eight SADC member states, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Eswatini and Tanzania, will likely be stationed throughout Mauritius’s ten administrative districts.

The observers, having undergone a four-day coaching programme, will monitor electoral processes corresponding to marketing campaign actions, polling station accessibility, voting procedures and poll counting.

Their observations will be certain that the elections adhere to ideas of equity, transparency and respect for democratic values.

Mr Chande mentioned that the important thing parts for a reputable electoral course of, together with freedom of expression, human rights, neutral electoral administration and equal media entry for political events.

“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 discovered Mauritius ready to carry the elections.

The SEOM will problem a preliminary assertion on November 12, offering preliminary findings of the electoral course of.

Director, Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, Prof Kula Theletsane, talking on behalf of the SADC Executive Secretary, Elias Magosi, reiterated the importance of SADC’s dedication to democratic governance.

He outlined the position of SEOM in partaking with varied stakeholders, making certain a clear remark course of.

The SEOM’s engagement in Mauritius is complemented by help from the SADC Organ Troika, consisting of members from Tanzania, Malawi and Zambia, in addition to help from the SADC Electoral Advisory Council.

Key figures, together with Retired Justice Fauz Abdallah Twaib of Tanzania and Madam Elodie Ntamuzinda W’Igulu of the Democratic Republic of Congo, are a part of the advisory council supporting this mission.

Both CJ Chande and Prof Theletsane urged all registered voters in Mauritius to train their civic responsibility peacefully and responsibly.

The SEOM’s mission is to uphold electoral integrity and make sure the democratic course of aligns with regional and worldwide requirements.

The launch marks a essential step in SADC’s ongoing dedication to democracy within the area, as all eyes now flip to Mauritius for its pivotal National Assembly Elections.