Pretoria - More than 70 observers will be deployed by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Electoral Observer Mission (SEOM) to assess the October 24 general elections in Botswana, says International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane.
“In Botswana, our oldest democracy in SADC, we will be able to observe practices honed and developed over decades of democracy. SADC will deploy more than 70 observers across the various districts.
“We would like to congratulate Botswana on its track record to date and its valued contribution to building democratic institutions in the region. We trust that the elections on 24 October 2014 will continue to build on this proud tradition,” she said.
Minister Nkoana-Mashabane, who is heading the SEOM, made the announcement in Gaborone on Friday at the official launch of the SEOM to Botswana.
She said President Jacob Zuma, as the chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, has founded the SEOM, which she has been tasked to lead.
“Our regional body recognises that in a democracy, elections are part of a process rather than being an end in themselves and that through the elections, governments constantly seek mandates from their citizens, as they strive to make policies aimed at the betterment of their lives.
“It is our expectation that all leaders of this country will continue to work together in Botswana's national interest,” she said.
Following the launch of the SEOM, Minister Nkoana-Mashabane said members of the Organ Troika will engage with the leadership of Botswana as well as the chairperson of the electoral commission in that country to be brought up to speed with the preparations for the elections.
Botswana held its first multiparty elections in 1965 ahead of the declaration of independence.
According to the Minister, the upcoming 11th democratic election in Botswana is a testimony to the strides that have been made in the region towards the consolidation of democracy and the promotion of good governance.
The previous SEOM to Botswana in 2009 found that the elections had been held in a manner that was open and transparent.
Minister Nkoana-Mashabane said the upcoming elections attest to the country's track record of upholding democratic principles and being committed to good governance.
The SEOM is expected to consider the general conduct of the elections guided by the principles of full participation of citizens in the political process; freedom of association; political tolerance; equal opportunity for all political parties to access the state media; equal opportunity to exercise the right to vote and be voted for; and an acceptance and respect by political parties of the results after the elections have been proclaimed as free and fair by the electoral authorities in accordance with the law.
As part of its terms of reference, the SEOM's assessment will be informed by the following guidelines conducive to an environment for free, fair and peaceful elections:
- Constitutional and legal guarantees of freedom and rights of the citizens,
- Voters' registration process;
- Existence of an updated and accessible voters roll;
- Location of polling stations in neutral places; and
- Timeous announcement of the election date.
The presence and deployment of the SEOM helps to enhance the credibility of the electoral process, and encourages the development of a culture of democratic norms and values in the region.
SADC is expected to release its preliminary findings on the electoral process on 26 October.
“We want to take this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment and support to the people of Botswana, and to wish them a successful election,” said Minister Nkoana-Mashabane. - SAnews.gov.za
