GABORONE-On 26th October 2024, in Gaborone, The Head of the Southern African Development Community Electoral Observation Mission (SADC-SEOM), Hon. Mizengo Pinda, held a productive meeting with the diplomatic community representing their countries in Botswana.
Hon. Pinda used the meeting to inform the diplomats about SEOM's mandates in conducting electoral observation in accordance with SADC principles and guidelines of democratic elections.
He told the excellencies that SEOM has been engaged in meetings with various Botswana election stakeholders as part of its mission to collect their views, concerns and any observations concerning the preparations of the upcoming general elections.
He stated that SEOM is closely monitoring the election's progress, plans, and procedures, assessing whether SADC principles and guidelines of democratic elections has been considered and emphasized on the importance of inclusive involvement of all election stakeholders in Botswana to foster a common understanding of the upcoming general elections scheduled for October 30, 2024.
He mentioned that SEOM has deployed observers to all electoral districts to monitor the situation before elections, in the election day and after the elections adding their meetings with various individuals and institutions is a part of their sessions to gather feedback from them.
Speaking in the meeting, the Dean of Ambassadors in Botswana and the Ambassador of the Republic of Angola, H. E. Beatriz Morais, expressed their gratitude to SEOM for considering engagement with the Diplomatic Corps as key stakeholders in the Botswana general elections and commends the peaceful environment in Botswana, which contributes to stability and security across the country.
The France Ambassador to Botswana, H. E. Olivier Brochenin, commended the prevailing of peace and stability in the Republic of Botswana as the elections approached, highlighting it as a significant example for other African nations.
Ambassador of Tanzania to Botswana whose residence is in South Africa, H.E. James Bwana praised the Botswana government for welcoming election observers and he also expressed his appreciation for the calmness demonstrated by Batswana (citizen of Botswana) during the election period, wishing them all the best for their upcoming elections.
In implementing their responsibilities, SEOM also met with the Attorney General of the Republic of Botswana, lecturer from the University of Botswana’s Faculty of Political Science, and the Media Institute of Southern Africa's (MISA) Botswana Chapter.
SEOM has also met with leaders from Botswana political parties like BPF, BMD, and the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), Botswana National Front (BNF), Alliance for Progressives (AP), and Botswana People's Party (BPP).
The political parties expressed dissatisfaction with the electoral process, raising concerns about the shortage of ballots, which has caused doubts regarding the elections' fairness and transparency, and highlighted that the delayed announcement of the election date has hindered opposition parties' preparations.
The BPF party believes that the repeating of advance polling which involved Botswana’s diaspora, security forces, and three constituencies will boost public confidence and encourage higher voter turnout.
A representative from MISA Botswana mentioned that their organization has been working to provide training for journalists on preparing and reporting election-related information.
He however, acknowledged the significant competition their members face from unverified information disseminated by citizens via social media, which lacks standards and media ethical considerations.