The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) has issued its preliminary statement regarding the electoral processes during Botswana’s General Elections, held on October 30, 2024.
The statement was presented by His Excellency Mizengo Kayanza Peter Pinda, the former Prime Minister of Tanzania and Head of Mission for the SEOM in Botswana.
The observation team consisted of 72 personnel from 10 SADC member states, with 55 deployed across nine administrative districts: Central, Ghanzi, Kgalagadi, Kgatleng, Kweneng, Ngamiland, North-East, Southern, and South-East. On election day, the Mission monitored 288 polling stations and also observed advance voting on October 26, 2024.
The SEOM’s observations adhered to the Revised SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections (2021), as well as Botswana’s Constitution and Electoral Act. These guidelines promote democratic practices and aim to improve electoral integrity across the region.
This preliminary report encompasses the Mission’s observations from the pre-election phase, voting, and counting processes. A final report will be released later, detailing post-election activities, including result management and announcements.
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The SEOM was accompanied by several international observation teams, including the African Union Election Observation Mission, led by His Excellency Dr. Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan, former President of Nigeria, and the Electoral Commissions Forum of SADC Countries, chaired by Honourable Justice Jacob Mwambegele of Tanzania. His Excellency Mr. Elias Magosi, the Executive Secretary of SADC, was also present.
