Published on 30/10/2024
Fellow Members of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Republic of Botswana will be going to the polls on 30th October 2024, to decide on the Leadership of the Republic’s 13th Parliament and Local Councils, in line with the country’s Constitution.
SADC has deployed its Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) to the Republic of Botswana to observe the country’s pre-election phase, polling day and the post-election processes, to determine the country’s adherence to the revised SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections (2021).
These Principles and Guidelines promote regular, free and fair, transparent, credible and peaceful democratic elections as key markers of democracy and good governance and to institutionalise legitimate authority of representative governments in the Southern African region.
As the Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, I am pleased to announce that SADC has successfully deployed its Observation Mission (SEOM) countrywide for the period between 14th October and 6th November 2024, in accordance with the stipulated Principles and Guidelines. Article 8.3 of the respective Principles and Guidelines mandates SEOM to determine adherence of the Member State holding elections to its relevant provisions.
In that regard, I urge all eligible voters in the Republic of Botswana to exercise their constitutional rights by turning out to vote peacefully on election day. I also call upon all political actors and their supporters to act responsibly and peacefully during and after the election day.
On behalf of all SADC Member States and indeed my own behalf, I solemnly wish the people of Botswana successful and peaceful elections.