SADC Electoral Observation Mission Commences Activities Ahead of Madagascar’s 2024 Legislative Elections
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) has begun its official activities in Madagascar ahead of the country’s legislative elections scheduled for 29th May 2024.
Led by the Honourable Ms. Justice Florence Mumba, a distinguished former Supreme Court Judge and ex-Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Zambia, the SEOM delegation paid a courtesy call on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Madagascar on 23rd May 2024.
During the visit, the SEOM delegation, including Mr. Terry Rose, Senior Officer for Politics and Diplomacy at the SADC Secretariat, and representatives from the SADC Troika of the Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation from Namibia, Zambia, and Tanzania, were warmly received by Mr. Kola Emi Haulin, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Madagascar.
Mr. Haulin expressed the government’s commitment to facilitating the mission’s activities and ensuring peaceful and transparent elections.
The invitation to the SEOM was extended by the Malagasy government on 17th April 2024, underlining Madagascar’s dedication to upholding democratic principles during the electoral process.
Mr. Haulin emphasized that peaceful elections are critical for the socio-economic development of the country and assured the SEOM of the government’s full support.
Justice Mumba expressed her gratitude to the Malagasy government for the invitation and highlighted the mission’s dedication to observing and ensuring the integrity of the electoral process.
The SEOM’s mandate includes assessing whether the elections are conducted according to the “Principles for Conducting Democratic Elections” as outlined in the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections (2021).
As part of its comprehensive observation program, the SEOM has engaged with a broad spectrum of electoral stakeholders in Madagascar. These engagements include meetings with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), the United Nations Resident Coordinator, political consultants and mediators, the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), and the Malagasy National Union of Human Rights.
These consultations are in line with the SADC’s standard practice of inclusive electoral observation, ensuring that all key elements of the electoral cycle are monitored for adherence to democratic principles.
The SEOM aims to provide an objective assessment of the electoral process, contributing to the credibility and transparency of the legislative elections in Madagascar.
The SEOM will continue its stakeholder engagements and field observations throughout the election period, working diligently to support Madagascar in its pursuit of a democratic and peaceful election.
Source: SADC
