Lusaka - On Friday, 09 January 2015, the Executive Secretary of SADC, Dr Stergomena Lawrence Tax, welcomed delegates and observers at an occasion marking the launch of the SADC Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) to the 2015 Presidential elections in the Republic of Zambia. In her remarks, Dr Tax emphasised that, "in discharging its mandate, the conduct of the Observer Mission will be guided by the SADC Treaty; the SADC Protocol on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation; the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections; and relevant legislation of the Republic of Zambia, and other continental and international instruments governing democratic elections".
The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, Hon. Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, formally launched the SADC Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) on behalf of the Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security, HE President Jacob Zuma, the President of the Republic of South Africa. In addressing election observers, and media, the Minister said; "we note with great pride that election observation has become a norm in our Region, and is very much in keeping with the democratic values which underpin and define SADC".
Minister Nkoana-Mashabane and Dr Tax wished the government and people of the Republic of Zambia success as they turn a new leaf in the democratic life of their country.
