By 
President Hakainde Hichilema has appointed former Supreme Court Judge, Florence Mumba, as the head of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Electoral Observation Mission for the legislative elections in Madagascar.
The president acted in his capacity as the Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defense and Security Cooperation.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Tuesday, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mulambo Haimbe, stated that in accordance with the Southern African Development Community Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections, Zambia would lead the SADC Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) to the legislative elections scheduled for May 29.
Read More: SADC Heads of State unite in virtual summit to address El Niño-induced food shortages
“Article Four of the Southern African Development Community’s Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections of 2021 provides that SADC shall observe all general elections held in its Member States to promote electoral integrity, justice, good governance and stability in the SADC region,” Haimbe stated.
He further added that Mumba, who has distinguished herself in service to the nation and internationally, would fulfill her mandate as Head of Mission in accordance with the SADC Principles and Guidelines, with the full support of the SADC Member States.
“As the SEOM Head of Mission, Mumba will work closely with the representatives of the other two members of the SADC Organ Troika, namely the United Republic of Tanzania as Deputy or Incoming Chair of the Organ and the Republic of Namibia as Outgoing Chair of the Organ, with the full support and guidance of the SADC Secretariat,” he mentioned.
SEOM’s broad mandate was to advise SADC on matters relating to elections, democracy and good governance.
This mandate was based on its critical role in conducting Pre-Election Goodwill Assessment Missions to any SADC Member State holding elections.
“While the SEOM Leadership provides oversight and coordination to the overall management of the SADC Electoral Observation Mission, it is important to note that all SADC Member States provide officials to be deployed as SADC Observers in all provinces of the Member State holding elections,” Haimbe said.
He stated that in fulfillment of Zambia’s obligation as Chair of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defense and Security Cooperation, the Head of Mission and her team would collaborate with all relevant stakeholders in Madagascar, as well as other International Election Observation Missions, to ensure a peaceful, free and fair legislative election.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
Comments