SADC Electoral Mission Led by Dr. Nevers Mumba Arrives in Harare to Monitor Zimbabwe’s Elections

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has taken a significant step toward promoting democratic values and ensuring transparent electoral procedures by appointing Dr. Nevers Mumba, former Vice-President of Zambia, as the Head of Mission (HoM) for the SADC Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) to Zimbabwe. This decision, in accordance with Article 3 of the revised SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections (2021), reinforces SADC’s commitment to monitoring general elections within its Member States.

Dr. Mumba’s arrival in Harare today signifies the commencement of his critical role as the Head of Mission for SEOM. With an extensive mandate, SEOM is set to be dispatched to all ten provinces of Zimbabwe, where it will meticulously oversee the pre- and post-election phases, culminating in the polling day itself. Dr. Mumba’s itinerary also includes a Courtesy Call to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of Zimbabwe, as well as strategic engagements with the leadership of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), and SADC Ambassadors and High Commissioners accredited to Zimbabwe.

The commitment to upholding electoral integrity, justice, good governance, and stability in the SADC region is emphasized by the scheduled formal Launch of SEOM on August 18, 2023. This event is poised to not only kickstart SEOM’s operations but also encompass a series of election awareness initiatives, aimed at enlightening electoral stakeholders about the mission’s pivotal role.

To underscore the importance of this initiative, the SADC Secretariat has extended an open invitation to a diverse spectrum of participants. Among those invited are the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), the Zimbabwe Republic Police, political parties, voters, citizens, traditional leaders, faith-based groups, civil society organizations, members of the media, Diplomatic Missions/Corps, and Heads and Delegations of International Electoral Observation Missions. The Launch of SEOM Zimbabwe is scheduled to take place at Harare’s Rainbow Towers Hotel, from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM on August 18, 2023.