Media Statement
28 November 2014
Minister Nkoana-Mashabane arrives in Namibia as part of the SADC Election Observer Mission
International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane arrived in Windhoek, Republic of Namibia, today, 28 November 2014, to join the SADC Election Observer Mission (SEOM), which is observing the conduct of the 2014 Presidential and National Assembly elections.
Voting stations opened this morning, 28 November 2014, and the SEOM has deployed officials from SADC member states across Namibia to observe the conduct of the elections and assess the extent to which the SADC Guidelines and Principles Governing Democratic Elections are followed. The ultimate objective is to consolidate democracy and improve the quality of electoral processes in the region.
Minister Nkoana-Mashabane is representing His Excellency President Jacob Zuma, Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation. South Africa was elected at the SADC Summit held in the Republic of Zimbabwe in August 2014 to chair the Organ, which is responsible for the maintenance of peace and stability in the region.
The SEOM to Namibia was launched by Minister Nkoana-Mashabane on 10 November 2014 in Windhoek. The SEOM has deployed 95 observers constituted into 23 teams in all the 14 regions of Namibia.
In addition to Namibia, South Africa has led SADC Election Observer Missions (SEOMs) to Mozambique and Botswana and will lead the upcoming SEOMs to Mauritius, Zambia and Lesotho during 2014/2015.
It is expected that the SEOM will release its preliminary report on the 2014 Presidential and National Assembly elections in Namibia on Sunday, 30 November 2014.
Enquiries: Mr Clayson Monyela, 082 884 5974
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION
OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale
Pretoria
|
