Pinda calls on Botswana voters to respect competing political views

GABORONE: THE Head of Mission for the SADC Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) for Botswana’s General Elections, Mr Mizengo Pinda, has called on registered voters to turn out in large numbers on October 30th and participate peacefully in the country’s general elections.

He said in Gaborone on Tuesday that it was important to respect differing political views and exercise responsibility during the post-election phase, regardless of whether one’s preferred political party or candidate is chosen.

“In the days leading up to this significant date, SADC calls on everyone to turn out peacefully, act maturely, respect competing political views and take responsibility in the post-election phase,” he stated during the launch of the SEOM mission on behalf of the Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

He explained that SEOM observes elections in its member states based on the revised SADC principles and guidelines governing democratic elections, to which all SADC member states have committed.

According to Mr Pinda, these principles provide an objective and scientific methodology for observing elections, contributing to the consolidation of democracy in the region by enhancing best electoral practices and addressing electoral shortcomings.

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They are informed by key instruments of the African Union (AU), such as the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (2007), as well as relevant United Nations (UN) conventions.

Mr Pinda said that stakeholders must understand that the SEOM’s mandate is to assess the adherence of member states to the revised SADC principles and guidelines governing democratic elections.
“We are here to help each other improve the quality of our elections and our hard-fought struggle for liberty and democracy,” he said.

Speaking at the launch event, SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi noted that the aspiration to transform the SADC region into a fully integrated space that safeguards prosperity for all relies heavily on resilience in upholding democracy, good governance, peace and stability.

This will be increasingly achieved as member states consider and implement SEOM recommendations.

“The implementation of the SADC principles and guidelines will uplift each member state and enable the region to progress safely toward the achievement of the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP), the SADC Vision 2050 and the broader African Union Agenda 2063,” he insisted.

He urged member states to implement the recommendations made by various SEOMs, noting that these conclusions are based on reports from SADC observers and consultations with various stakeholders in countries holding elections.

Mr Magosi added that implementing SEOM recommendations will enhance the democratic processes of member states, ensure good governance and build confidence among citizens and external stakeholders, demonstrating that election observations are valuable exercises and not merely a formality.

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The SEOM comprises 72 delegates from Troika and SEAC members, Secretariat support staff and observers from 10 SADC member states.

Meanwhile, Mr Pinda paid a courtesy call to Botswana’s Minister for State President, Mr Kabo Morwaeng and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr Lemongang Kwape, in Gaborone on Monday.
The purpose of the visit was to officially introduce the SADC Electoral Observation Mission in Botswana and introduce himself as the Head of Mission.