The SADC Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM), led by former President of Zanzibar, H. E. Dr. Amani Abeid Karume, has commenced its operations in Mozambique, holding strategic meetings with various stakeholders. The mission is preparing for the deployment of observers across the country’s eleven provinces ahead of the presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for 9 October.
In accordance with the SADC principles and guidelines (2021), the mission will oversee the electoral process, ensuring compliance with key democratic standards. These guidelines emphasize the importance of citizen participation, the prevention of political violence and intimidation, and the promotion of equal opportunities for political parties to access state media. Furthermore, they highlight the need for citizens to be well-informed about the election process.
President Filipe Nyusi of the ruling FRELIMO party is concluding his two-term tenure, with the party’s candidate, Daniel Chapo, expected to secure a significant win. FRELIMO, which has governed Mozambique since its independence in 1975, is widely supported and continues to shape the country’s political landscape.
SEOM met with SADC Ambassadors, High Commissioners, and other observer missions to assess the political and security environment ahead of the elections. The mission head outlined the crucial tasks facing the observer teams during the deployment phase, following a four-day refresher training for the observers.
In a show of solidarity, Zimbabwe’s ruling party, ZANU PF, has deployed a delegation led by Politburo member Cde James Makamba to Mozambique. ZANU PF and FRELIMO share strong historical ties dating back to the liberation struggle, and ZANU PF is backing Daniel Chapo’s candidacy in the upcoming elections.
Revolutionary parties like FRELIMO and ZANU PF continue to dominate the political landscape in the region, driven by their clear ideologies and enduring policies.
