STATEMENT BY HON. AMB. FRANCISCO MADEIRA

MINISTER FOR DIPLOMATIC AFFAIRS IN THE OFFICE OF

THE PRESIDENT AND HEAD OF THE SADC ELECTION

OBSERVER MISSION TO THE REPUBLIC OF NAMIBIA

It is with immense joy that today, the 18th November, we are launching the SADC Electoral Observer Mission in this great country of Namibia, an act that by itself demonstrates the will of the people of Namibia, to once again serve as an example of democracy, by according the thousands of Namibians the right to freely choose the President of the Republic and members of Parliament.

The main purpose of this Mission is to ascertain that SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections in the Region are observed. We should also bear in mind that these are part and parcel of the Principles and Guidelines emanating from the African Union Declaration on the Principles governing Democratic Elections in the Continent.

Following an invitation by the President and the Government of the Republic of Namibia to the Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, His Excellency Armando Emilio Guebuza, the President of the Republic of Moçambique, the Executive Secretary was in turn mandated by him to constitute SADC Electoral Observer Mission to the Republic of Namibia.

This invitation by the Republic of Namibia demonstrates their commitment to a transparent election and to the consolidation of Democratic processes not only in Namibia but also in the entire region as per the Article 5 of the SADC Treaty which outlines the objectives of SADC and commits the Member States to “promote common political values, systems and other shared values which are transmitted through democratic, legitimate and effective institutions. Member States are committed to “consolidate, defend and maintain democracy, peace, security and stability” in the region. The Mission is here today in support of these principles and in support of the People of Namibia in their endeavour to make true the consolidation of these principles in their great country.

This election marks yet another important step forward in the political process of this country and the region as a whole. In fact, elections are an indispensable marker of progress and the entrenchment of democracy in any country.

Indeed, in this very context, we are privileged to honour the people of Namibia for adhering to this requirement to undergo elections and ensure an inclusive and participatory governance in line with the SADC Principles and Guidelines.

Let me at this point in time, express my joy to the fact that the SADC Region through its Member States has made and continues to make significant strides in ensuring full participation of citizens in the decision making processes and in the consolidation of the state institutions and democratic practice. To this end, equal representation and full participation of all citizens in the political processes is enshrined in the Constitutions of each one of our Member States.

Our Mission will undertake its observation in three phases of the electoral process, namely:

(i)the pre-election;
(ii) the election; and
(iii) the post election.

SADC Electoral Observer Mission will be engaged and committed to support the people of Namibia as they go through this process. The above referred process will be conducted through deploying observers in all the thirteen regions of the Republic of Namibia.

SADC Observer Mission in Namibia will be available and will consult widely with all stakeholders at national, regional, district and local levels, which includes, among others, the Political Parties, the Electoral Commission of Namibia, Returning Officers, District Commissioners, Police, Civil Society organizations, media, local monitors and other international and regional observers.

We will also attend to and observe political parties’ campaigns and rallies throughout the country.

The presence of the SADC Electoral Observer Mission is not only in support for the delivery of a credible, transparent and legitimate election by the Electoral Commission of Namibia, but also provides a learning opportunity to the Member States that constitute our Mission to share with their Countries and replicate the best practices as observed and obtaining from this election for the betterment of our region.

I would like to urge all the stakeholders in this election, especially the contesting Political Parties and candidates, to exercise restraint and political tolerance throughout the electoral process.

We would also like to plead with all the stakeholders involved in this process to adhere and respect the rule of law so as to preserve peace and tranquility that Namibia is admired for in the region.

We wish the People of Namibia all the success as they go through this election, and with these few remarks, I wish to announce on behalf of the Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, His Excellency Armando Emilio Guebuza that the SADC Electoral Observer Mission to the 27 and 28 November 2009 Presidential and National Assembly election in the Republic of Namibia is henceforth officially launched.

Tuapandula!
Okuhepa!
Kai Aios!
I thank you!
Merci beaucoup!
Muito Obrigado!

18 NOVEMBER 2009