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Archive -Election

National Assembly election 2016 - SADC launches observer mission |03 September 2016

 

The South African Development Community (SADC) has officially launched its observer mission for the legislative election which will be held from September 8-10, 2016.

Before the current mission which consists of 19 observers from eight of the organisation’s 15 member states, SADC had already sent a preparatory mission from its Advisory Council,  from August 24 to 26.

While launching what he called an “important mission” at the Avani Hotel yesterday afternoon, head of mission Dr Augustine Mahiga remarked that the preparatory mission which will reinforce its report at the end of the current one has permitted to take note of issues raised by different stakeholders in the preparations to the election.

Dr Mahiga, who is also the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Tanzania, added that observation of past elections has also generally provided evidence-based reports which have resulted in offering advice to member states.

He stated that he and his team are already informed that the local Electoral Commission which has invited them has taken necessary measures to organise credible elections as laid down by SADC principles, policy and guidelines governing elections

While he has commanded the authorities to create the necessary conditions for the organisation of these elections, he has however asked the political leadership to play the essential role necessary for them to be managed in a free and fair manner.

He has also called on the population to equally take its responsibility. While asking all political parties to accept the results, Dr Mahiga has appealed to all Seychellois to in case of disputes, follow the principles as laid down by the Laws of the land.

“The outcome lies in the hands of the people of Seychelles,” the SADC mission chief emphasised.

He also laid down the principles according which the SADC mission will access the conduct of the elections. Principles which he said put emphasis on participation of citizens in decision-making added to liberty in their political role, and which will build on an enduring culture of reinforcing democracy in the SADC region.

The principles include the following: full participation of citizens, freedom of association, equal access to state media, media transparency, equal access to vote and be voted for, an independent judiciary, acceptance of election results when declared free and fair and recourse to the Law in case of contestation.

The official launch of the SADC observer mission was also attended by members of the diplomatic corps, director of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Affairs in the SADC secretariat Jose Cardoso, President of SADC non-governmental organisation (SNGO) Jules Hoareau, members of the Electoral Commission as well as local observer missions.

SADC has announced that it will issue a preliminary election observation statement on September 12, with a final report expected within thirty days after the election.

 

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