Enock P. Kavindele, the former Vice President of Zambia, has been chosen to lead the SADC Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) for South Africa’s National and Provincial Elections on May 29, 2024.
The appointment was made by Hakainde Hichilema, the President of Zambia and Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation.
The SADC Secretariat, under Executive Secretary Elias M. Magosi, will coordinate the SEOM and organize the deployment of observers within South Africa.
The SEOM’s presence is based on Article 3 of the 2021 revised SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections, which mandates SADC to observe all general elections in member states.
Kavindele arrived in South Africa on May 19, 2024, and met with Naledi Pandor, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, on May 20, 2024. He also held a meeting with SADC Ambassadors and High Commissioners in South Africa.
On May 22, 2024, Kavindele will launch the SEOM at the Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg to outline its key activities. SEOM observers will then be sent to all nine provinces of South Africa to monitor the pre-election, election day, and post-election processes.
The African National Congress (ANC) has been the dominant political party in South Africa for the past 30 years. Despite challenges from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the new MK Party, the ANC is expected to win again. A poll by the Social Research Foundation (SRF) last Friday showed 44.8% support for the ANC.
