Dr. Kenny Anthony, former Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, has been appointed to lead the Commonwealth observer group for the Mozambique elections on October 9th, with the group actively engaging from October 1st to 15th. Their mission involves observing various electoral processes and assessing the credibility of the elections based on established democratic standards.
The Commonwealth has appointed Dr. Kenny Anthony, the former Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, to lead its observer group for the upcoming general elections in Mozambique, scheduled for October 9th. The group will be present in Mozambique from October 1st to October 15th to observe the electoral process. Dr. Anthony expressed his appreciation in accepting the appointment from Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland, stating that it is an “honor and privilege.” He will be joined by eleven experts from diverse backgrounds, including elections, law, civil society, politics, human rights, and media, creating a comprehensive team. Upon arrival on October 1st, the observers will conduct meetings with various stakeholders, such as the election management body, political factions, civil society organizations, and representatives of the media and diplomatic community. From October 7th, the group will disperse into smaller teams to each province in Mozambique, observing electoral preparations and engaging with local stakeholders. On the election day, the team will monitor critical aspects of the process, including the opening of polls, the voting procedure, and the counting of votes, followed by issuing a preliminary statement on their findings by October 11th, 2024. The Commonwealth has stated that the mandate of the observer group is to assess the overall credibility of the electoral process and determine whether the elections adhere to the standards for democratic elections to which Mozambique is committed. Other members of the observer group comprise distinguished professionals such as Ms. Francine Baron from Dominica, Ms. Pauline Welsh from Jamaica, Hon. Charles Keter from Kenya, and several others from diverse countries including Lesotho, Malawi, Nigeria, Tonga, Uganda, and Zambia, all contributing their expertise to ensure a thorough observation of the elections.
This article discusses the appointment of Dr. Kenny Anthony as the leader of the Commonwealth observer group for Mozambique’s general elections. It highlights the involvement of various experts in the electoral process and outlines the group’s mission to enhance the transparency and credibility of the election, representing international support for Mozambique’s democratic processes.
In summary, the appointment of Dr. Kenny Anthony and the formation of an expert observer group by the Commonwealth reflect a robust commitment to upholding democratic standards during Mozambique’s upcoming elections. Their active engagement with local stakeholders and participation in crucial electoral processes will contribute significantly to the credibility of the elections. Furthermore, the diversity of expertise among group members enhances the potential for a comprehensive evaluation of the electoral integrity.
Original Source: stluciatimes.com
