Former Tanzanian prime minister to head Sadc observer mission for Botswana elections

The Southern African Development Community (Sadc) launched its electoral observation mission for the Botswana elections in the country’s capital, Gaborone, on Tuesday.

Botswana’s general elections are scheduled for 30 October.

At the event, Sadc executive secretary Elias Magosi presented the head of the observer mission, former Tanzanian prime minister Mizengo Pinda.

“Our shared aspiration of transforming the Sadc region into a fully integrated space that safeguards prosperity for all, relies heavily on its resilience in commanding democracy, good governance, peace and stability,” Magosi said at the launch event.

Pinda was appointed by the chairperson of the Sadc Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, Magosi explained.

Tanzania’s president, Samia Hassan, currently chairs the organ.

The organ is responsible for overseeing all aspects of peace and security in the region, including the implementation of the Sadc Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections, which require electoral observation missions.

He said the implementation of the guidelines would “enable the region to progress safely towards the achievement of the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan, the Sadc Vision 2050, as well as the broader African Union Agenda 2063.”

“This observation mission also benefits from the counsel and guidance of the Sadc Electoral Advisory Council, a critical structure responsible for advising Sadc and its electoral institutions on all matters of electoral processes, as well as the enhancement of democracy and good governance in the region,” Magosi said.

He said the Sadc secretariat facilitated a four-day training programme for all election observers between 17 and 20 October, and that the observers will be sent off to their assigned districts and stations following the launch event.