Chronicle Editor
Nqobile Bhebhe, [email protected]
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa, who is also chairman of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has congratulated Mauritius’ new Prime Minister, Mr Navin Ramgoolam, following his victory in the recent elections.
The elections were conducted peacefully and have been declared free and fair in line with the principles and guidelines of the regional bloc.
So far under President Mnangagwa’s chairmanship of the 16-member bloc since August this year, three countries have successfully held elections and these are Mozambique, Botswana and recently Mauritius with Namibia holdings its polls later this month.
Mr Ramgoolam was confirmed as the new leader on Tuesday following landslide election victory for his coalition.
In his congratulatory message, President Mnangagwa expressed delight that peace characterised the polls, which resonated with SADC principles and guidelines.
“On behalf of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the Government and people of the Republic of Zimbabwe, and on my behalf, I wish to warmly congratulate you and your party, my dear brother and colleague, on your landslide victory in the just-ended elections, and on your assumption of Office of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Mauritius,” said President Mnangagwa.
“I am particularly elated that these elections proceeded peacefully and have been pronounced free, fair and consistent with the principles and guidelines of our SADC bloc.”
The SADC chairman added that under the leadership of Mr Ramgoolam, bilateral relations will be further strengthened.
“I have no doubt that under your wise and tested leadership, the Republic of Mauritius will continue to scale up to higher levels, as well as to resume the critical role it has always played in our region,” he said.
“Your successful election will, without doubt, present new opportunities for the excellent and ever burgeoning bilateral relations between our two sister republics and peoples.
“Please accept, Honourable Prime Minister, the assurances of my highest consideration.”
In its preliminary statement released on Tuesday, the SADC Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) led by former Tanzania chief justice Mohamed Chande Othman also said Mauritius was calm and peaceful during the pre-election, election day, and the counting, attesting to the peaceful nature of Mauritians.
“I, therefore, wish to use this opportunity to commend the people of Mauritius for their peaceful conduct, which contributed to the conducive electoral environment,” he said.
“The Mission commends the people of Mauritius for the political maturity, spirit of tolerance and calmness that generally prevailed during this electoral period.”
The Mission further observed the National Assembly polls in accordance with the Revised SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections (2021) and the relevant Laws of the Republic of Mauritius.
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