Dr. Kenny Anthony has been appointed to lead the Commonwealth Observer Group for Mozambique’s elections, accompanied by 11 experts including representatives from Dominica and Jamaica. The group will observe the electoral process from October 1 to 15, culminating in an interim report on October 11. The initiative reinforces the Commonwealth’s commitment to promoting electoral integrity.
The Commonwealth has formally appointed Dr. Kenny Anthony, the former Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, to spearhead its observer group for the impending general elections in Mozambique. Accompanying him will be 11 esteemed professionals hailing from various Commonwealth nations, including Francine Baron, the former Foreign Minister of Dominica, and Pauline Welsh, the former Director of Legal Affairs of Jamaica. The Commonwealth Observer Group is scheduled to be present in Mozambique from October 1 to October 15, tasked with observing the entire electoral process which includes the opening, voting, closing, counting, and results management for the elections set for October 9. Dr. Anthony expressed his gratitude for the honor of leading this initiative, emphasizing the diverse expertise of his fellow observers, who possess extensive knowledge in elections, law, civil society, politics, human rights, and media. The announcement was made in London by Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland, who highlighted Mozambique’s significance within the Commonwealth and the organization’s commitment to supporting its electoral integrity. She reaffirmed the Commonwealth’s pioneering role in international election observation, underscoring its long history of fostering electoral transparency. Following their arrival on October 1, the observers will engage with key stakeholders such as the election management body, political parties, civil society organizations, media representatives, the diplomatic community, and other observers. From October 7, the group will deploy into smaller teams across Mozambique’s provinces to monitor electoral preparations and interact with local stakeholders. On election day, they will meticulously observe each stage of the electoral process and will subsequently release an interim statement detailing their preliminary findings on October 11, 2024.
The role of election observers is critical in ensuring the integrity and transparency of the electoral process. Mozambique is a member of the Commonwealth, an organization comprised of 54 member states, with a mission to promote peace, democracy, and development. The appointment of a former Prime Minister as the leader of the observer group signifies the importance of the elections and the focus on democratic governance in the region. The Commonwealth has a strong track record, having monitored more than 200 elections globally, which reassures citizens and stakeholders of the electoral process’s credibility.
In conclusion, Dr. Kenny Anthony’s leadership of the Commonwealth Observer Group for Mozambique’s upcoming elections highlights the Commonwealth’s ongoing commitment to promoting democratic values and electoral integrity. The diverse team of experts will play a vital role in observing the electoral process, thereby fostering trust in Mozambique’s electoral system. Their presence is a testament to the support of the Commonwealth for its member states in upholding democratic principles.
Original Source: stlucia.loopnews.com
