Dr. Kenny Anthony, former Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, has been appointed to head the Commonwealth Observer Group for Mozambique’s general elections on October 9, 2024. The group will monitor various electoral processes from October 1 to October 15, 2024. This mission reflects the Commonwealth’s commitment to supporting democratic governance and electoral integrity.
The Commonwealth has appointed Dr. Kenny Anthony, the former Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, to lead a group of election observers for the forthcoming general elections in Mozambique scheduled for October 9, 2024. The Commonwealth Observer Group will conduct its mission in Mozambique between October 1 and October 15, during which it will oversee various electoral processes, including the opening, voting, closing, counting, and management of results. In London, Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, acknowledged the Mozambique National Election Commission’s invitation, emphasizing its commitment to supporting Mozambique as a valued member of the Commonwealth. She remarked on the importance of the Commonwealth’s role in international election observation, which has included overseeing over 200 elections in more than 40 countries. Dr. Anthony expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead the observer group and highlighted the diverse expertise of his team members, who were selected from across the Commonwealth and bring a wealth of experience in areas such as law, civil society, and human rights. Upon their arrival on October 1, the observers will engage with key stakeholders, including election authorities, political parties, civil society organizations, and the media. They will deploy to various provinces starting on October 7 to observe electoral preparations and hold discussions with local actors. On election day, October 9, the group will monitor all critical stages of the election process and will issue an interim statement on their preliminary findings on October 11.
The upcoming general elections in Mozambique are significant for the country as it seeks to strengthen its democratic practices. The Commonwealth’s involvement as an observer reflects its longstanding commitment to ensuring electoral integrity and supporting democratic governance across its member nations. This particular election observation mission illustrates the Commonwealth’s proactive role in aiding democracies in their electoral processes and providing external validation of their practices, which is pivotal in fostering trust and credibility among citizens and stakeholders alike.
The appointment of Dr. Kenny Anthony to lead the Commonwealth Observer Group underscores the organization’s dedication to supporting the democratic processes in Mozambique. The observers aim to ensure that the elections are conducted in a credible, inclusive, and transparent manner, adhering to the Commonwealth’s standards for democratic elections. This mission not only highlights the importance of international oversight in elections but also reinforces the Commonwealth’s commitment to promoting electoral integrity around the globe.
Original Source: thecommonwealth.org
