SADC ELECTORAL OBSERVER MISSION (SEOM) TO THE GENERAL ELECTIONS IN THE REPUBLIC OF MOZAMBIQUE

 LAUNCH STATEMENT

  BY

 HONOURABLE KABINGA PANDE, MP.,
MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA AND HEAD OF THE SADCELECTORAL OBSERVER MISSION TO THE REPUBLIC OF MOZAMBIQUE

Allow me at the outset, to express my profound gratitude for your positive response to the invitation to share this important moment which is a milestone in the history of the Republic of Mozambique and indeed that of the SADC region as a whole.

As part of our commitment to entrench the culture of participatory democracy and good governance in the SADC region and in line with Article 5 of the SADC Treaty which outlines the objectives of SADC and commits Member States to “promoting common political values, systems and other shared values which are transmitted through institutions, which are democratic, legitimate and effective” the Republic of Mozambique invited His Excellency, Mr Rupiah Bwezani Banda, President of the Republic of Zambia and Deputy Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, to deploy a SADC Electoral Observer Mission to observe the elections in the Republic of Mozambique.

In response to the invitation, the Executive Secretary of SADC was mandated by the Deputy Chairperson of the Organ to constitute a SADC Electoral Observer Mission to the Republic of Mozambique. At the same time, His Excellency President Banda assigned me the responsibility to preside over this Mission.

The invitation by the people of the Republic of Mozambique for SADC to come and observe their elections is a clear testimony of their dedication and commitment to the consolidation of democratic processes in Mozambique and the region in general.

It is therefore in keeping with this principle that the SADC Electoral Observer Mission is here today in support of the people of Mozambique.

The holding of the Presidential, National and Provincial Assemblies elections in the Republic of Mozambique signifies the value and importance the people of this country attach to the participation of the citizenry at all levels of decision making in matters relating to their future destiny as well as the political, social and economic development of the nation.

I wish to emphasize the fact that the SADC region is enjoying peace and stability today, thanks to the strenuous efforts and selfless sacrifices made by the people of the region to be where and what we are today. The onus therefore now rests upon us to consolidate and jealously nurture this democracy and good governance, lest our efforts will be in vain.

This Mission is determined to maintain its presence in all parts of the Republic of Mozambique during the pre-election, ballot casting and post-election phases and to perform its observation role in an objective manner.

In this context, our observation will be done in line with the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections, the Constitution of the Republic of Mozambique, the Electoral Law of the country and other relevant regulations.

During our stay, the Mission will reach out and be readily available at the disposal of all stakeholders, inter alia, the political parties, candidates, the National Electoral Commission, Returning Officers, relevant authorities at national, provincial and district levels, Civil Society organizations, media, local monitors, international and regional observers and others, for consultations.

It is through these interactions that we will be able to share information and experiences, so that we could make the best out of our observation of these elections.

While it is my humble prayer that these elections will be conducted in a peaceful atmosphere, I should hasten to state that we will only achieve this by having all the stakeholders, especially political parties and participating candidates to exercise political tolerance, mutual respect and strict observance of the rule of law.

We wish the People of the Republic of Mozambique, all the success and peace as they go through these historic elections.

Lastly and in concluding my statement, I wish to announce on behalf of the Deputy Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, His Excellency President Rupiah Bwezani Banda that the SADC Electoral Observer Mission to the 2009 General Elections in the Republic of Mozambique is henceforth officially launched.

May The Good Lord Bless You All.

I thank You Very Much! Muito O brigado!

18 OCTOBER 2009