Media Statement
10 December 2014
Minister Nkoana-Mashabane arrives in Port Louis, Mauritius, as part of the SADC Election Observation Mission
International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane has arrived in Port Louis, Republic of Mauritius, where she has joined the SADC Election Observation Mission (SEOM) in observing the conduct of the 2014 National Assembly elections taking place today, 10 December 2014.
Minister Nkoana-Mashabane is heading the SEOM on behalf of His Excellency Mr Jacob Zuma, Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation and President of the Republic of South Africa. The Organ is responsible for the maintenance of peace and stability in the SADC region, of which Mauritius is a Member State.
The SEOM to the 2014 National Assembly elections in the Republic of Mauritius was launched by Minister Nkoana-Mashabane on 01 December 2014. Minister Nkoana-Mashabane said at the launch that: "The presence and deployment of SEOMs helps to enhance the credibility of the electoral process and encourages the development of a culture of freedom of expression, association and fairness, which should be part and parcel of every election."
The SEOM is guided in its mission by the provisions of the ‘SADC Treaty’, the 'SADC Protocol on Political, Defence and Security Cooperation’ and the ‘SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections’.
In addition to Mauritius, South Africa has led SADC Election Observer Missions (SEOMs) to the Republic of Mozambique and the Republic of Botswana in October 2014 and the Republic of Namibia in November 2014. South Africa will lead SEOMs to the Republic of Zambia and the Kingdom of Lesotho during 2015.
It is expected that the SEOM to the 2014 National Assembly Elections in the Republic of Mauritius will release its preliminary statement on Thursday, 11 December 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
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