By The Republic of Botswana will today, 30 October 2024, be heading to the polls to elect its 13th Parliament and Local Councils.
The elections come at the backdrop of Mozambique’s elections, which ended in violence with allegations that votes have been rigged or stolen to boost that of FRELIMO on 9 October 2024. The situation in Mozambique continues to deteriorate with reports that the government has cut off internet services.
In line with its responsibilities, the Southern Africa Development Community has deployed its Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) to the Republic of Botswana to observe the country’s pre-election phase, polling day and the post-election processes, to determine the country’s adherence to the revised SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections (2021).
The Mission will ensure that elections are free and fair, transparent, credible and peaceful democratic elections as key markers of democracy and good governance and to institutionalise legitimate authority of representative governments in the Southern African region.
The President of the Republic of Tanzania and Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, for SADC Her Excellency Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, said she is pleased to have deployed the SEOM to Botswana, country wide from the 14 October to 6 November 2024, to observe the elections in the country.
“In accordance with the stipulated Principles and Guidelines; Article 8.3 of the respective Principles and Guidelines mandates SEOM to determine adherence of the Member State holding elections to its relevant provisions.
In that regard, I urge all eligible voters in the Republic of Botswana to exercise their constitutional rights by turning out to vote peacefully on Election Day. I also call upon all political actors and their supporters to act responsibly and peacefully during and after the Election Day.
On behalf of all SADC Member States and indeed my own behalf, I solemly wish the people of Botswana successful and peaceful elections,” said Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan.
