Local team to observe Zimbabwe elections |17 July 2013

Seychelles’s participation, made possible following a request from SADC (Southern African Development Community) through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reinforces the country’s position as a key stakeholder in promoting regional integration and stability. 

A group of Seychellois observers already identified for the mission attended a refresher training course on Saturday July 13 facilitated by ex-parliamentarians and facilitators within the CDWS.
The training course, held at the Lungos conference room, was to prepare the observers for the particularities that will be faced in a country such as Zimbabwe. Topics ranged from political climate, code of conduct to technical skills in election observation.

The chief executive of Lungos, Steve Lalande, said: “The training course has once again brought together advocates of democracy. The CDWS was the first local group to observe elections in Seychelles. Now it is extending its services regionally. It is certain that the regional experience gained will contribute to future elections in Seychelles. Today’s training has proven to be fruitful as we had the participation of political parties who are also going to observe. They also benefited from the workshop. It is truly an honour for the CDWS to be representing Seychelles as member state of SADC at the Zimbabwe 2013 elections.”

The CDWS is a local elections observer group that addresses issues to do with democracy and governance in Seychelles from a balanced, analytical and citizens-based approach.

CDWS is a group of Seychellois citizens, associated by our common interest and concerns towards promoting principles of democracy, good governance and fair elections through research, education, community projects and meaningful dialogue.

CDWS is a non-governmental and non-partisan organisation. Although its focus is on Seychelles, CDWS is also interested in promoting principles of good governance across the SADC region.
CDWS is an accredited NGO with Lungos (Liaison unit of non-governmental organisations of Seychelles).