Mohale FM The government of Lesotho is hosting a week-long training for the SADC Electoral Observation Missions (SEOMs) at Avani Maseru, aimed at strengthening regional democratic processes by equipping personnel to monitor upcoming elections across the bloc, including scheduled polls in Zambia, Angola, and Zimbabwe. The training focuses on utilizing the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections (2021) and transitioning to ICT-based observation methods to enhance efficiency and ensure credible, peaceful electoral outcomes.
Acting Permanent Secretary Limpho Masilo-Motsamai said SADC Electoral Observation Missions play a pivotal role in SADC Member States by assessing democratic elections to ensure that they align with democratic principles while at the same time promoting peace, stability, as well safeguarding integrity of elections.
Meanwhile, SADC Election Advisory Committee (SEAC), Representative Limakatso Mokhothu said this training is intended to equip the participants with the necessary skills, knowledge and tools for them to be able to observe all the General Elections held in the SADC Member States. Ms Mokhothu said as part of the region’s efforts for consolidating democracy and good governance, participants will be deployed to other SADC Member States to witness how registered voters excessive their democratic rights to choose their leaders. Ms Mokhothu said it is important, for participants to learn about these Principles and Guidelines, in order to be in a position to assess the level of compliance by Namibia.
