Dr. Kenny Anthony to Lead Commonwealth’s Election Observer Group in Mozambique
Dr. Kenny Anthony, former Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, has been appointed by the Commonwealth to lead its election observer group for Mozambique’s general elections on October 9, 2024. The group will function from October 1st to 15th, engaging with a variety of stakeholders to ensure the elections meet democratic standards. An interim statement on their findings will be released on October 11, 2024.
The Commonwealth has officially appointed Dr. Kenny Anthony, the former Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, to spearhead its election observer group for Mozambique’s upcoming general elections scheduled for October 9, 2024. This observer group is set to operate in Mozambique from October 1st to October 15th. In a statement following the invitation accepted from Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland, Dr. Anthony expressed his gratitude, noting it an honor to lead a team comprising eleven experts from various Commonwealth nations. This diverse team brings expertise in elections, law, civil society, politics, human rights, and media, among other fields. Upon their arrival in Mozambique on October 1st, the observers will engage with significant stakeholders, including the election management body, political entities, civil society organizations, the media, the diplomatic community, and other observers both international and domestic. Beginning October 7th, small teams of observers will disperse across the provinces to monitor electoral preparations and engage with local stakeholders in their specific areas. On the day of the elections, the observer group will oversee the processes of opening, voting, closing, counting, and results management, thereafter issuing an interim statement reflecting their preliminary findings on October 11, 2024. The Commonwealth Secretariat has clarified that the mandate of the group encompasses evaluating and determining factors that influence the overall credibility of the electoral process, assessing whether the elections adhere to the standards for democratic elections which Mozambique has committed to uphold. The observer group is composed of distinguished members, including Ms. Francine Baron, Former Foreign Minister of Dominica; Ms. Pauline Welsh, former Director of Legal Affairs at the Electoral Office of Jamaica; Honorable Charles Keter, former Senator and Minister from Kenya; Dr. Karabo Mokobocho-Mohlakoana, Commissioner at the Independent Electoral Commission of Lesotho; and various other renowned figures in the fields of law, human rights, gender studies, and media.
This undertaking is critical as it emphasizes the role that international observers play in ensuring that elections are free, fair, and credible—a cornerstone for democracy in any nation. The Commonwealth’s involvement is particularly significant as it reflects an ongoing commitment to support democratic processes and governance worldwide. By dispatching a specialized team, the Commonwealth aims to bolster confidence in Mozambique’s electoral system amid challenges in political landscapes across the region. The engagement of seasoned experts from varied professional backgrounds further enriches the oversight process, offering numerous perspectives on the electoral process.
In conclusion, the appointment of Dr. Kenny Anthony to lead the Commonwealth’s election observer group underscores a significant commitment to promoting democratic values in Mozambique. With a well-composed team of experts, the group is poised to conduct a thorough observation of the upcoming elections, ensuring that the principles of transparency and fairness are upheld. The participation of diverse stakeholders reaffirms the importance of collaborative efforts in strengthening electoral integrity and democracy.
Original Source: stluciatimes.com
