GABORONE: THE Head of the Southern African Development Community Electoral Observation Mission (SADC-SEOM), Mr Mizengo Pinda over the weekend held a gathering with the diplomatic group representing their international locations in Gaborone, Botswana.

During the assembly, Mr Pinda knowledgeable the diplomats about SEOM’s mandate to conduct electoral statement in accordance with SADC rules and pointers for democratic elections.

He shared that SEOM has engaged with numerous stakeholders concerned within the Botswana elections to assemble their views, issues and observations relating to preparations for the upcoming common elections.

He mentioned that SEOM is carefully monitoring the election’s progress, plans and procedures, assessing whether or not SADC rules and pointers for democratic elections have been adhered to.

Mr Pinda underscored the significance of inclusive participation from all election stakeholders in Botswana to foster a typical understanding of the final elections scheduled for October 30^th, this 12 months.

Mr Pinda mentioned that SEOM has deployed observers to all electoral districts to watch the scenario earlier than, throughout and after the elections, noting that their conferences with numerous people and establishments are a part of their efforts to assemble suggestions.

Speaking on the assembly, Dean of Ambassadors in Botswana and Ambassador of the Republic of Angola, Beatriz Morais, expressed gratitude to SEOM for participating with the Diplomatic Corps as key stakeholders within the Botswana common elections.

She counseled the peaceable atmosphere in Botswana, which contributes to the nation’s stability and safety.

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The French Ambassador to Botswana, Olivier Brochenin, additionally praised the prevailing peace and stability because the elections method, highlighting it as a big instance for different African nations.

Tanzanian Ambassador primarily based in South Africa, Mr James Bwana, praised the Botswana authorities for welcoming election observers and expressed appreciation for the calmness demonstrated by the Batswana throughout the election interval, wishing them nicely for the upcoming elections.

In fulfilling their duties, SEOM has additionally met with the Attorney General of the Republic of Botswana, a lecturer from the University of Botswana’s Faculty of Political Science and representatives from the Media Institute of Southern Africa’s (MISA) Botswana Chapter.

SEOM has engaged with leaders from a number of political events, together with the Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF), Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD), Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), Botswana National Front (BNF), Alliance for Progressives (AP) and Botswana People’s Party (BPP).

The political events expressed dissatisfaction with the electoral course of, elevating issues a few scarcity of ballots that has forged doubt on the equity and transparency of the elections. They additionally famous that the delayed announcement of the election date has hindered opposition events’ preparations.

The BPF get together believes that repeating advance polling for Botswana’s diaspora, safety forces and three constituencies will assist enhance public confidence and encourage larger voter turnout.

A consultant from MISA Botswana talked about that their organisation has been working to supply coaching for journalists on getting ready and reporting election-related data. However, he acknowledged the numerous competitors their members face from unverified data disseminated through social media, which regularly lacks requirements and moral issues.