The SADC Electoral Observer Mission (SEOM) is headed by the Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation. Upon receipt of invitation letters from Member States for SADC to observe their national elections, the Chairperson of the Organ appoints the Head of Mission (HoM) to lead the Mission to the Member State holding elections. The Chairperson is supported by the Organ Troika, comprising of the Chairperson of the Ministerial Committee of the Organ (MCO), Incoming and Outgoing Chairpersons, and two members of the SADC Electoral Advisory Council (SEAC). The Chairperson may also appoint an Alternate Head of Mission to assist the Head of Mission.
The SEAC is a technical structure that advises SADC on all matters pertaining to electoral processes and the enhancement of democracy and good governance in the SADC region. In accordance with the principles and guidelines, SEAC undertakes its activities in three phases of the electoral cycle; pre-election, election and post-election periods. During the pre-election period, thus before SEOM is constituted, SEAC undertakes Goodwill Missions to among others, reflect on possible conflict situations in respective countries on matters pertaining to electoral processes and renders advice to the Ministerial Committee of the Organ (MCO) on the development of mediation strategies, before, during and after elections. During the election period, SEAC provides advisory services to the SEOM and the Organ Troika. In the post-election period, SEAC undertakes post-election reviews, which is of particular relevance should there be a conflict situation.
In line with Article 8.2.1 of the revised SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections (2015), SEOM Observers are drawn from all Member States and are expected to meet the following criteria:
(i) They shall be citizens of Member States of SADC;
(ii) Preference shall be given to candidates with prior election observation experience;
(iii) A reasonable number of observers must have basic knowledge of at least one of the official languages of the country of deployment
(iv) Observation of gender balance; and
(iv) Observers to be constituted from among others: government representatives, Members of Parliament, military or security, civil society organizations, electoral bodies, and the academia.
The deployment of SEOMs is facilitated and supported by the SADC Secretariat in terms of logistical preparations and administrative arrangements. The Secretariat also facilitates the in-country deployment of Observers and the pre-deployment training, while Member States are required to meet all the costs related to travel and daily subsistence allowances.
