AU election observer mission in Swaziland for parliamentary elections

MBABANE/ADDIS ABABA – In line with the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma has deployed the African Union Elections Observation Mission to the Kingdom of Swaziland parliamentary elections to be held on the September 20, 2013.

The African Union Election Observation Mission has a mandate to observe the September 20 parliamentary elections in conformity with the relevant provisions of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, which entered into force on February 15 2012, which is intended to enhance electoral processes in Africa, strengthen electoral institutions and the conduct of fair, free, and transparent elections; the AU/OAU Durban Declaration on the Principles Governing Democratic Elections in Africa (AHG/Decl.1 (XXXVIII), adopted by the Assembly of the African Union in July 2002; the African Union Guidelines for Elections Observation and Monitoring Missions; relevant international instruments governing elections observation and the Constitution and the laws of the Kingdom of Swaziland.

The Mission is led by Justice Maxon Mbendera, the Chairperson of the Malawi Electoral Commission. The Mission comprises of 19 high profile personalities and experts drawn from the Pan-African Parliament, African Ambassadors to the African Union in Addis Ababa, Election Management Bodies, Electoral Experts and civil society organisations from various African countries.

As part of its activities, the Mission will meet with various electoral stakeholders in Swaziland, including political leaders and civil society groups. Observations and recommendations of the Mission will be based on the credibility, transparency, fairness and the effective organization of the elections from which the Mission will express its views.

After the elections, the African Union Mission will release its preliminary statement during a press conference at Bethel Court Vineyard Hotel, Ezulwini, Swaziland.

The Mission will produce a more detailed report, including recommendations for future elections, which will be shared with the appropriate Swazi authorities and institutions.

The AU Mission expresses its optimism for a successful elections and further deepening of democracy in the Kingdom of Swaziland. The Secretariat of the Mission is at Bethel Court Vineyard Hotel, Ezulwini. For further information, please contact,  – African Union Commission