On 14 October 2015, the SADC Election Observation Mission (SEOM) was launched at the White Sands Hotel in Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania. The SEOM is in Tanzania at the invitation of the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, to observe the country's forthcoming 2015 Presidential, Parliamentary and Councillors' Elections which will take place on 25 October 2015. The SEOM consists of 70 observers who will be deployed to 25 regions in the country. The Mission is expected to be in Tanzania until 29 October 2015.
The launch was officiated by the Honourable Oldemiro Baloi, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Republic of Mozambique, in his capacity as the Head of SEOM, as appointed by the Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, His Excellency Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, President of the Republic of Mozambique. In his remarks, he emphasized that the deployment of the SEOM to this country is a continuation of what has become our regional culture of promoting common political values, systems and shared values expressed through institutions that are democratic, legitimate, and effective. He further stressed that the country has maintained the culture of holding elections as and when they are due. "The people of this country are known for their commendable levels of tolerance to diversity and their steadfastness in upholding the values of peaceful coexistence. We therefore expect no less this time, and we are confident the work of SEOM to be successful", he said.
Also present at the launch was the SADC Executive Secretary H.E. Dr. Stergomena Lawrence Tax who in her welcoming remarks, indicated that success of the current 2015 elections will be testimony to the continuously shared spirit of tolerance and peaceful coexistence by various stakeholders in this country. It is also a crucial moment whose success will enable the country to chart its desired political and socio-economic direction, for the betterment of the lives of the people of the United Republic of Tanzania.
The launch was attended by government officials, heads and representatives of diplomatic missions, international election observation missions, representatives of political parties, civil society, faith based organizations and the media.
