Francine Baron Appointed to Commonwealth Observer Group for…

Francine Baron, the former Foreign Minister of Dominica, has been appointed to the Commonwealth Observer Group monitoring the Mozambique elections scheduled for October 9. Led by Dr. Kenny Anthony, the group will assess the electoral process from October 1 to 15, underscoring the Commonwealth’s commitment to promoting electoral integrity and supporting democracy in Mozambique.

Former Foreign Minister of Dominica, Francine Baron, has been appointed to the Commonwealth Observer Group that will monitor the upcoming general elections in Mozambique. This group, led by Dr. Kenny Anthony, former Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, will be in Mozambique from October 1 to 15. Their responsibilities include observing the entire election process, which takes place on October 9, encompassing the opening, voting, closing, counting, and management of results related to presidential, national, and provincial elections. The announcement was made by Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland in London, who noted that the Mozambique National Election Commission extended an invitation to observe the elections. “Mozambique is a valued member of the Commonwealth family, and this election observation exercise is testament to our commitment to supporting them,” she stated. She emphasized the Commonwealth’s distinguished role in promoting electoral integrity worldwide, having observed over 200 elections across more than 40 countries initially since this work commenced. Furthermore, in a pivotal year for global democracy, the Commonwealth’s mission in Mozambique embodies significant importance, as Ms. Scotland expressed confidence that the observers would adhere to the highest standards of ethical election observation, allowing the Mozambican populace to exercise their right to a transparent electoral process. Dr. Kenny Anthony remarked on the honor it is to lead the Commonwealth mission, voicing his gratitude for being joined by eleven experts hailing from diverse backgrounds, contributing to various fields including law, civil society, politics, human rights, and media. Upon their arrival on October 1, the observers will engage with critical stakeholders such as the election management body, political entities, civil society organizations, the media, and representatives from overseas and local observer groups. Beginning October 7, they will assess electoral preparations in small teams within the various provinces, interacting with local stakeholders. On election day, the Group will meticulously oversee every aspect of the voting process and subsequently, on October 11, will issue an interim statement regarding their initial observations. The custody of the election process lies with the observers, who are charged with evaluating the conditions impacting the credibility of the elections in Mozambique, ensuring the election adheres to the established standards for democratic electoral processes, as dictated by relevant laws and commitments at regional, Commonwealth, and international levels. The communiqué listed the members of the Commonwealth Observer Group, highlighting Francine Baron alongside other distinguished delegates from across member countries. The Commonwealth has a rich history of observing elections in Dominica. Following the 2022 general elections, the Commonwealth Observer Mission concluded that the results reflected the collective will of the Dominican electorate, marking the integrity of their democratic framework.

The Commonwealth Observer Group’s deployment for the upcoming elections in Mozambique underscores the organization’s dedication to ensuring fair and transparent democratic processes within its member states. Observers play a crucial role in maintaining electoral integrity by monitoring the electoral framework and providing unbiased assessments of the electoral process. Mozambique’s invitation to the Commonwealth for observation reflects the nation’s commitment to uphold democratic principles while seeking external validation of its electoral processes. The Commonwealth has been actively involved in election observations, enhancing democratic norms and practices in various countries, including its consistent engagement in Dominica’s electoral landscape and other Commonwealth nations.

In summary, the involvement of Francine Baron as part of the Commonwealth Observer Group to observe the upcoming elections in Mozambique highlights the importance of international collaboration in fostering electoral integrity. The group’s comprehensive observation will not only ensure that the elections are conducted fairly but also reflects the collective aspirations of the Mozambican populace to secure a transparent and credible electoral outcome. The historical context of the Commonwealth’s commitment to overseeing elections reinforces its role as a critical advocate for democratic principles across its member states.

Original Source: dominicanewsonline.com