SADC Launches Electoral Observation Mission for Eswatini's 2023 General Elections
The launch event took place at the Royal Villas Hotel in Ezulwini, bringing together dignitaries, observers, and international representatives.
EZULWINI, ESWATINI- The Southern African Development Community (SADC) officially launched its Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) for the Kingdom of Eswatini's 2023 general elections, writes Winston Mwale.
The launch event took place at the Royal Villas Hotel in Ezulwini, bringing together dignitaries, observers, and international representatives.
H.E. Enoch P. Kavindele, Former Vice President of the Republic of Zambia and Head of the SEOM, welcomed the attendees on behalf of His Excellency Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia and Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation.
Kavindele expressed gratitude to the Elections and Boundaries Commission of Eswatini for inviting SADC to observe the elections, scheduled for September 29, 2023.
Kavindele also extended appreciation to the government of the Kingdom of Eswatini for their warm welcome and thanked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for their courtesy call.
SADC observes elections in its member states based on the Revised SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections (2021).
These principles aim to enhance electoral practices and address shortcomings to consolidate democracy in the region.
The SEOM's deployment followed a Pre-Election Assessment Goodwill Mission by the SADC Electoral Advisory Council (SEAC) from May 31 to June 9, 2023.
The SEAC also conducted a post-election review in May 2022 to assess the implementation of recommendations from the SEOM's observations during the 2018 general elections.
The SEOM, consisting of 47 personnel from eight SADC member states, has been in Eswatini since September 14, 2023, to observe the elections for the House of Assembly on September 29, 2023.
Their mission is to assess the elections based on the central principles outlined in the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections.
These principles include full citizen participation, human rights protection, adherence to legal frameworks, prevention of corruption and violence, equal opportunity for political parties, electoral justice, and more.
Kavindele emphasized the importance of implementing SEOM recommendations to enhance the electoral systems in member states.
The SADC mission encourages all registered voters to exercise their civic rights by voting on September 29, 2023, and calls for peaceful, free, fair, transparent, and credible elections.
The launch event concluded with an invitation to attend the release of the preliminary statement on October 1, 2023, where the SEOM will share its observations on the 2023 general elections.
In closing, Kavindele formally launched the SADC Electoral Observation Mission for Eswatini's 2023 general elections, marking a significant step towards ensuring democratic processes in the region.