SADC Electoral Observers Gear Up for DRC Elections with Intensive Training
A comprehensive Refresher Training & Orientation Workshop for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) to the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) Presidential, Legislative, and Provincial Elections commenced on Saturday, December 9th, 2023, in Kinshasa.
The workshop, slated to conclude on December 12th, aims to equip SEOM representatives with the necessary knowledge and skills for effective observation.
Mr. Robby Lungu, representing the Republic of Zambia and serving as the Chairperson of the Senior Officials of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation, emphasized the crucial role of elections in promoting citizen participation, reinforcing democratic practices, and strengthening institutions.
He underscored the significance of the SEOM’s role in ensuring the integrity of the electoral process.
During the training, SEOM observers are undergoing a comprehensive curriculum covering various aspects of electoral and political processes.
This includes sessions on election observation and methodology, understanding the Electoral Cycle, international and regional benchmarks for democratic elections, the political context of the DRC, the constitutional and legal framework for the 2023 elections, and the revised SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections, among other topics.
The SEOM training aims to align observers with the recently revised SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections of 2021. The participants are also familiarizing themselves with the Code of Conduct for SADC Observers to ensure a standardized and ethical observation process.
Six SADC Member States have already deployed their observers to the mission. These include Zambia, serving as the Chair of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation, the United Republic of Tanzania as the Incoming Chair, and Namibia as the Outgoing Chair. Angola, South Africa, and Zimbabwe are the other Member States contributing to the observation mission.
As the SEOM observers undergo this intensive training, expectations are high for their impartial and thorough assessment of the upcoming elections in line with regional standards. Their presence is seen as a critical element in upholding the democratic values and principles advocated by the SADC within the DRC’s electoral process.
Source: SADC Secretariat
