SADC underscores importance of observer missions
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) says election observation is a valuable tool for improving the quality of elections.
This is according to the director of SADC’s politics, defence and security organ’s director, Professor Kula Theletsane, who said observers help build public confidence in the honesty of electoral processes.
Theletsane made the remarks during the official launch of the SADC Electoral Observer Mission (SEOM) to the national polls taking place in South Africa tomorrow.
“Observation can help promote and protect participants' civil and political rights in elections. It can lead to correcting errors or weak practices, even while an election process is still underway. It can deter manipulation and fraud or expose such problems if they do occur,” he said.
Building trust
According to Theletsane, when observers can issue positive reports, it builds trust in the democratic process and enhances the legitimacy of the governments that emerge from elections.
“Following elections, reports and recommendations by observer groups can lead to changes and improvements in national law and practice,” he said.
Their work as the SADC Secretariat, Theletsane said, is to facilitate and coordinate the important work of the SEOM.
“The Secretariat does not observe elections. We are here to ensure that the mission logistics, meetings and other operational requirements are as smooth as possible. The SEOM has an open door for all stakeholders. If you wish to make your views known to the SEOM, please feel free to approach the Secretariat, who will make the necessary arrangements,” he said.
Namibia’s observation team in South Africa is led by High Commissioner Elvis Shiweda.
This is according to the director of SADC’s politics, defence and security organ’s director, Professor Kula Theletsane, who said observers help build public confidence in the honesty of electoral processes.
Theletsane made the remarks during the official launch of the SADC Electoral Observer Mission (SEOM) to the national polls taking place in South Africa tomorrow.
“Observation can help promote and protect participants' civil and political rights in elections. It can lead to correcting errors or weak practices, even while an election process is still underway. It can deter manipulation and fraud or expose such problems if they do occur,” he said.
Building trust
According to Theletsane, when observers can issue positive reports, it builds trust in the democratic process and enhances the legitimacy of the governments that emerge from elections.
“Following elections, reports and recommendations by observer groups can lead to changes and improvements in national law and practice,” he said.
Their work as the SADC Secretariat, Theletsane said, is to facilitate and coordinate the important work of the SEOM.
“The Secretariat does not observe elections. We are here to ensure that the mission logistics, meetings and other operational requirements are as smooth as possible. The SEOM has an open door for all stakeholders. If you wish to make your views known to the SEOM, please feel free to approach the Secretariat, who will make the necessary arrangements,” he said.
Namibia’s observation team in South Africa is led by High Commissioner Elvis Shiweda.
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