Run-up To Mozambique Elections: Commonwealth Observers Deployed

They will consider the various factors impinging on the credibility of the electoral process as a whole

By Sylvester Samba

Five-member Commonwealth Group (COG) arrived in Mozambique's capital, Maputo, on 10th October 2019 to observe a General Elections scheduled for 15th October 2019 at the invitation of the Government of Mozambique. The Commonwealth observers will be in Maputo until 20th October 2019. Members of the group drawn from various Commonwealth regions with backgrounds from the political, electoral, and legal fields.

Musa Mwenye, former Attorney General of Zambia and acting chair of the group, said they are aware of the significance of the elections in promoting democracy in Mozambique. Mwenye said their presence in the country affirms Commonwealth's enduring solidarity with the people of Mozambique. He condemned all incidents of violence, including the killing of Mr. Anastácio Matavele, the head of a local observer group in Xai-Xai.

We convey sincere condolences to his family and friends and urge a thorough investigation into this and any other incidents of violence. We encourage all stakeholders to demonstrate an unwavering commitment to peaceful and credible elections, the acting leader of the Commonwealth team appealed.

Mwenye maintained that his team mandate is to observe and evaluate the pre-election environment, polling day as well as the post-election period. He noted, they will consider various factors impinging on the credibility of the electoral process as a whole, and, report whether the election has been conducted to national, regional, Commonwealth, and international standards to which Mozambique has committed itself. As independent observers, we will remain objective and impartial in discharging these duties. The Group's assessment will be its own and not that of any Commonwealth member country.

"Over the next few days, we will receive briefings from relevant stakeholders including election management officials, representatives of political parties, civil society groups, the police, members of the international community, citizens, and international observers," Mwenye stressed.

On 13th October 2019, the Commonwealth observers deployed to selected provinces, where they will observe the pre-election environment. Subsequently, the opening of polls, voting, counting, and management of the results from election day until their departure from Mozambique. They are expanded to issue an Interim Statement of their preliminary findings shortly after 15 October. "Our final report will be submitted to the Secretary-General and will be made available to the general public afterward.

The Commonwealth Observer Group composed of H.E. Mr. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka (Chair), Former Vice-President, Republic of Kenya. Mr. Musa Mwenye, Former Solicitor General and former Attorney General, Zambia. Dr. Alex Vines, Head, Africa Program, Chatham House. Dr. Nomsa Masuku, Commissioner, Electoral Commission of South Africa, and Ms. Emma Lee Wilson, Lecturer in conflict mediation, Department of Politics and International Studies, Cambridge University.