Namibia to respect SADC election processes

President Nangolo Mbumba says Namibia will respect and remain committed to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) principles and guidelines for democratic elections.

This comes at a time when Namibia is scheduled to hold presidential and National Assembly elections on 27 November this year.

Mbumba made these remarks at the 44th ordinary summit of SADC heads of state and government in Zimbabwe on Saturday.

The summit was held under the theme ‘Promoting Innovation to Unlock Opportunities for Sustained Economic Growth and Development Towards an Industrialised SADC’.

Mbumba informed the summit that the SADC Electoral Advisory Council has concluded its mission in Namibia.

“As a nation that has enjoyed more than 34 years of peace and stability, we remain committed to the SADC Principles and Guidelines for Democratic Elections and will respect their findings and will pay attention to their advice and recommendations,” Mbumba said.

The council was in Namibia, engaging stakeholders from 29 July until 6 August.

The delegation was assessing the political and security environment.

In November, the council will be releasing preliminary reports on its findings.

REGIONAL SECURITY THREAT

Mbumba, who is the outgoing chairperson of the SADC organ on defence and security, said the ongoing civil war in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) poses a potential threat to regional peace and security.

Mbumba told the summit that the objectives of the Regional Strategic Indicative Development Plan 2020-2050 cannot be achieved if the fundamental pillar of peace, security and good governance is compromised.

“Our region is still faced with persistent security challenges in the eastern DRC, following the resurgence of conflict and activities of armed groups, including the M23,” Mbumba said.

“This is a source of great concern for the region, as it poses a potential threat to regional peace and security. It therefore requires a collective effort and stronger political will for us to ensure that peace comes to the people of the DRC.”

Mbumba commended all SADC member states for providing resources and materials in support of objectives of the SADC missions in Mozambique and the DRC.

“Due to these collective efforts, the situation in Cabo Delgado has normalised and the displaced persons are returning to their places of origin,” he added.