Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states have been encouraged to hold elections even though there are challenges perpetuated by the Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19). Honourable Lemogang Kwape- The Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation encouraged.
Speaking on the occasion of virtual meeting of the Ministerial Committee of the Organ (MCO) on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, on his closing remarks as the Chairperson, Kwape advised, “We were encouraged to note that the pandemic has not deterred Member States to continue conducting regular elections, in compliance with the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections.”
Honourable Dr. Kwape further reflected on the issues discussed by the Committee in regards to elections in the region, “We discussed at length, the measures we could employ to improve our election observations during outbreaks of pandemics. We therefore approved the Guidelines for Election Observation under Public Health and Emergencies. The Guidelines provide options to be used for the deployment of SADC Electoral Observers during such difficult times. This is one of the proactive measures that the region has developed. I believe they will be a benchmark for other regions.”
Bringing the elections issue back home, there are a number of council wards which have no Councillors up to now. Some of the said wards had to conduct bye elections following 2019 general elections, while some wards lost representatives to death. Up to now there are no plans to conduct bye elections by the government of Botswana.
Amongst other pertinent issues which were discussed today, was the emerging security threats to the SADC region. In this regard, the Committee approved a Costed Action Plan for the implementation of the Report on the Assessment of Security Threats to the Region. The Report, Kwape says, contains short-term, medium-term and long-term interventions to be implemented at regional and national levels. The Committee also reflected on SADC efforts towards enhancing its democratic values and principles.
The Committee, which meets annually will seat again next year to reflect on the progress made and issues around Politics, Defence and Security in the SADC region.
