Makinda launches SADC electoral observation mission for Namibia’s general elections

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) for Namibia’s upcoming general elections was officially launched on November 20, 2024, by Anne Makinda, Head of the Mission. 
The elections are set to take place on November 27, 2024.

The launch, held in Windhoek, was attended by representatives from the SADC Troika on Politics, Defence, and Security Affairs, including officials from Malawi, Zambia, and Tanzania, along with members of the SADC Electoral Advisory Council, the SADC Secretariat, diplomatic missions, Namibia’s Electoral Commission, political parties, religious organizations, civil society groups, and international election observation missions.

In her keynote address, Makinda emphasized the critical role of the elections in Namibia’s democratic journey and commended the Namibian people for their dedication to peaceful and transparent electoral processes. She highlighted SADC's long-term approach to election observation.

“SADC observes elections as part of a continuous process aimed at consolidating democracy and ensuring they are free, fair, transparent, and credible,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who is also the Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation, Makinda called on all registered Namibian voters to participate peacefully in the elections.
 She urged citizens to maintain post-election peace and respect for the results.

"This election is a critical moment for Namibia and the Southern African region, and we urge all citizens to exercise their right to vote, contribute to strengthening democracy, and ensure that the elections are peaceful, orderly, with results respected by all," she said.

The presence of the SEOM underscores SADC’s commitment to upholding democratic principles and electoral integrity, vital for advancing peace, security, and regional integration.
The SEOM comprises 65 observers from eight SADC member states—Eswatini, Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania—tasked with monitoring critical aspects of the electoral process. These include voter registration, the neutrality of security forces, the accessibility of polling stations, and the broader political and security environment.

Observers will be deployed across all 14 regions of Namibia to ensure comprehensive coverage. Makinda stressed the mission’s systematic and thorough approach to election observation.

“We do not simply observe for a few days, issue a statement, and leave; our mission is part of an ongoing effort to learn from past experiences and strengthen electoral systems for the benefit of citizens across the region,” she remarked.

The SEOM’s assessment will follow the Revised SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections (2021), which prioritize citizen participation, transparency, fairness, and the prevention of electoral fraud, political violence, and misuse of state resources.

Namibia’s democratic legacy
Makinda praised Namibia for its tradition of peaceful elections, describing it as a model of democracy in the region. She noted the country's successful transition from apartheid to independence as a testament to its commitment to peace and tolerance.

“Namibia has set an example for the region with its peaceful and tolerant elections, and it is essential that this tradition continues for the long-term stability of the country,” she added.
Preliminary findings

The SEOM will release its preliminary statement on November 29, 2024, at 11:00 am, providing an initial assessment of the elections.

As Namibia approaches its general elections, the SEOM reaffirms its commitment to ensuring the process is transparent, credible, and reflective of the will of the people, contributing to the consolidation of democracy in the region.