The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) to the Botswana General Elections was officially launched today, on 22nd October 2024 by His Excellency Mizengo Kayanza Peter Pinda, former Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania and Head of Mission (HoM) for the SADC Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) for Botswana's General Elections. The ceremony was held at Avani Hotel in Gaborone, Botswana. The Republic of Botswana is scheduled to hold elections on 30th October 2024.
His Excellency Mr. Elias Mpedi Magosi, the Executive Secretary of SADC, accompanied the Head of Mission and graced the ocassion. The event was also honoured with the esteemed presence of various stakeholders including; heads of diplomatic missions, government officials, members of the SADC Organ Troika on politics, defence and security cooperation, SADC Electoral Advisory Council, the Independent Electoral Commission of Botswana, political parties, religious groups, Civil Society Organisations, representatives of the international election observation missions, SADC election observers and the media.
The upcoming General Elections in Botswana will play a pivotal role in electing the country's 13th Parliament and local councils across the nation. A total of 61 seats in the National Assembly and 609 local council seats will be up for contention, all to be decided through the first-past-the-post voting system.
The launch statement is herewith attached.