Dr. Kenny Anthony, former Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, has been appointed to lead the Commonwealth Observer Group for Mozambique’s upcoming elections. He will oversee a team of eleven professionals who will observe the electoral processes from October 1 to 15, with a preliminary report due on October 11.
The Commonwealth has appointed Dr. Kenny Anthony, the former Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, to lead its observer team for the upcoming general election in Mozambique. He will be accompanied by eleven distinguished professionals from various Commonwealth nations, including Francine Baron, former Foreign Minister of Dominica, and Pauline Welsh, former Director of Legal Affairs in Jamaica. The Commonwealth Observer Group is scheduled to be present in Mozambique from October 1 to October 15 to monitor the electoral processes surrounding the elections taking place on October 9. Dr. Anthony expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead this important initiative, noting the diverse expertise the group brings from different backgrounds, such as elections, law, civil society, politics, human rights, and media. This appointment was announced by Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland in London, who reiterated the value of Mozambique as a member of the Commonwealth and highlighted the organization’s dedication to supporting the electoral integrity of its members. The Commonwealth has a significant history of promoting electoral fairness, having observed over 200 elections in more than 40 countries. Upon arrival on October 1, the observers will engage with key electoral stakeholders, including the election management body, political parties, civil society organizations, media representatives, and diplomatic missions. Subsequently, from October 7 onward, they will be deployed in small teams across Mozambique’s provinces to oversee election preparations and interact with local partners. On election day, the group will observe the entire electoral process, including the opening, voting, closing, counting, and management of results, with a preliminary assessment expected to be released on October 11, 2024.
The Commonwealth is an intergovernmental organization of 54 member states, most of which are former territories of the British Empire. It plays a pivotal role in international election observation, ensuring elections adhere to democratic principles and promoting electoral integrity across its member nations. Mozambique’s upcoming general election is crucial for its political landscape, and the presence of international observers is an important measure to ensure transparency and fairness in the electoral processes. Dr. Kenny Anthony’s leadership of the observer group signifies the Commonwealth’s commitment to monitoring electoral practices and promoting democratic governance.
In summary, Dr. Kenny Anthony’s appointment to lead the Commonwealth Observer Group for the Mozambique elections underscores the Commonwealth’s commitment to supporting democratic processes worldwide. With a team of seasoned professionals ready to observe and report on the electoral integrity, their presence is anticipated to enhance public confidence in the election outcomes. The group’s findings will contribute to a broader understanding of the electoral environment in Mozambique.
Original Source: stlucia.loopnews.com
