with SADC Electoral Council member Justice John Tendwe (left) and
Namibian head of delegation Nicky Nashandi.
SIXTY-FIVE Southern African Development Community (SADC) election observers will be deployed across the country to monitor presidential elections set for January 20.
Head of SADC Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM), Maite Nkoana-Mashabane said the deployment of the mission was aimed at supporting the democratic process in Zambia.
Ms Mashabane who is also South African Minister of International Relations and Co-operation said in Lusaka yesterday during the launch of the observer mission that the observers would be visible on voting day.
She said the deployment of the SADC observers affirmed region’s commitment and support to democracy in Zambia.
Ms Mashabane said Zambia had in the past held peaceful, free and fair elections hence and expressed confidence that this month’s elections would not be different.
She said SADC expected all political parties to conduct themselves in the manner that contributed to democratic elections.
Speaking at the same event, SADC executive secretary Stergomena Tax said Zambia had a long standing tradition of holding election and the high turnout of voters usually recorded was a clear testimony of democracy.
Dr Tax said while Zambia had a long standing electoral tradition, the deployment of the SEOM was aimed at supporting the democratic process in the country.
He called on all stakeholders to uphold the democratic value and principles and the rule of law that governed the electoral process in Zambia.
with Namibian head of delegation Nicky Nashandi.
Nkoana-Mashabane (second left), leading other members of the observer
mission on arrival for a press briefing at Cresta Goff view Hotel in
Lusaka
May the best man win partner
Nicky Nashandi in the picture resembles our late presido (MHSRIP), I was scared like whats up H.E.M. I hope these guys are able to use those batteries and torches intercepted by UPND to make sure Chagwa, does not have extra ballot papers. The number is not not big enough, we needed more, some to accompany helicopters on election day since the chief service men are PF, please guard the vote.
I hoped there will be thousands following and hanging to those ballot boxes like ticks on a rabid dog. In a country where the military, police and civil servants are all politicians and partisan extra care should be taken to safeguard the vote. I am a little disappointed.
PF + Boko Haram + ZANU-PF = Violence