Commonwealth Deploys Expert Team to Observe Botswana’s General Elections on October 30.

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The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Rt Hon Patricia Scotland, KC, has taken a significant step to reinforce democratic practices in Botswana by sending a team of election experts to observe the country’s upcoming general elections on October 30, 2024. This move demonstrates the Commonwealth’s ongoing commitment to promoting democracy, human rights, and transparent electoral processes across its member states.

Commonwealth Expert Team Led by Kenyan Senator Gideon Moi

The Commonwealth Expert Team (CET), assembled specifically for this mission, is headed by Kenyan Senator Gideon Moi, a respected political figure with deep expertise in governance. Alongside him are five other distinguished members drawn from various Commonwealth nations, each bringing unique expertise in critical areas such as politics, elections, media, law, and civil society.

This expert team represents the diverse and global nature of the Commonwealth, with members hailing from nations including Solomon Islands, Trinidad and Tobago, the United Kingdom, Zambia, and Malaysia. Their collective experience will ensure a thorough, impartial observation of Botswana’s electoral process.

Commonwealth’s Commitment to Democracy in Botswana

Speaking during the announcement in Samoa, where the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting was taking place, Secretary-General Patricia Scotland highlighted the significance of the mission:

“As we gather for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa, our presence in Botswana to observe these elections reaffirms our unwavering commitment to democracy and human rights. Building resilient societies demands free, fair, and inclusive electoral processes. We stand in solidarity with the people of Botswana in upholding democracy and development values as enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter.”

The deployment of the CET to Botswana underscores the Commonwealth’s dedication to strengthening democratic institutions and promoting good governance across its member nations. The Secretary-General also expressed her gratitude to the expert team members for their participation in this essential assignment, noting that their role is vital to supporting Botswana’s democratic journey.

CET’s Activities in Botswana

The Commonwealth Expert Team is scheduled to arrive in Botswana on October 23, ahead of the elections. During their stay, the team will engage with key stakeholders, including Botswana’s election management body, political parties, civil society organizations, media outlets, the diplomatic community, and both international and citizen observers.

Starting on October 28, the expert team will be deployed in smaller groups to various provinces across the country. In these regions, they will observe electoral preparations, engage with local stakeholders, and gather insights into the electoral environment. This on-the-ground observation will allow the CET to evaluate the election process comprehensively, from pre-election activities to the final results.

Election Day Monitoring and Reporting

On election day, the team will closely monitor several key stages of the process, including:

The opening of polling stations
Voting procedures and voter participation
The closing of polling stations
The vote counting process
The management and announcement of results

The CET will assess whether Botswana’s elections align with the country’s democratic commitments, as outlined in its constitution and in accordance with international standards. Their findings will be compiled into a final report, which will provide observations on the entire electoral process and offer recommendations for future improvements.

Support from Commonwealth Secretariat Staff

The CET’s mission will also be supported by staff members from the Commonwealth Secretariat, led by Nancy Kanyago, Legal Adviser for Rule of Law. Their expertise will ensure that the mission is conducted professionally and with the necessary legal insight.

The expert team will complete their assignment and depart Botswana on November 4, after concluding their observations and compiling their report.

Meet the Commonwealth Expert Team Members

The Commonwealth Expert Team is comprised of the following distinguished individuals:

Chairperson: Gideon Moi, Senator, Kenya
Ms. Georgina Kekea, Former President, Media Association of Solomon Islands
Ms. Pamela Ogiste, Assistant Chief Election Officer, Elections and Boundaries Commission, Trinidad and Tobago
Judge Peter Herbert OBE, Retired Human Rights Barrister and Judge, United Kingdom
Ms. Chipokota Mwanawasa, Policy Adviser to the President of Zambia
Mr. Idzuafi Hadi Kamilan, Executive Director, Institute for Political Reform and Democracy, Malaysia

Why Commonwealth Election Observations Matter

The Commonwealth has a long history of promoting democratic values, human rights, and good governance among its member states. Election observation missions like this one are crucial for ensuring that democratic processes are free, fair, and inclusive. Through these missions, the Commonwealth helps member countries like Botswana maintain transparency in their elections and uphold their commitment to the Commonwealth Charter.

The October 30 general elections in Botswana are a vital moment in the country’s democratic history, and the Commonwealth’s involvement through its Expert Team underscores the importance of credible elections for a stable and prosperous nation. By observing and reporting on these elections, the CET will play an essential role in promoting good governance and democratic resilience in Botswana.