text: The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) to Botswana’s General Elections has released its preliminary statement on the conduct of the electoral processes during the country’s General Elections held on 30th October 2024.
  The statement was delivered by His Excellency Mizengo Kayanza Peter Pinda, former Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania and Head of Mission (HoM) for the SEOM for Botswana’s General Elections.
  The Mission observed the elections, with a total composition of seventy-two (72) personnel from 10 SADC Member States, out of which fifty-five (55) were deployed to nine (9) administrative districts of Botswana, namely Central, Ghanzi; Kgalagadi; Kgatleng; Kweneng; Ngamiland; North-East; Southern and South-East Districts. On election day, 30 October 2024, the Mission covered 288 Polling Stations. It also observed the second round of advance voting on 26 October 2024.
  The Mission observed the 2024 General Elections in the Republic of Botswana, in line with the Revised SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections (2021) and the country’s Constitution, the Electoral Act, the Local Government Act, and various Codes of Conduct.
  The Revised SADC Principles and Guidelines provide an objective and scientific methodology for observing elections and contribute to the consolidation of democracy in the Region by enhancing best electoral practices and recommending and addressing any electoral shortcomings or challenges. The Revised SADC Principles and Guidelines are also informed by critical instruments of the African Union, such as the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (2007), and relevant Conventions of the United Nations.
  This Preliminary Report covers the Mission’s observation of the pre-election process, voting and counting. The final report will be issued later and include the observations of the post-election processes, including the results management, announcement processes and consequential matters.
  The SEOM was joined by various international observation missions which also shared their findings, including the African Union Election Observation Mission, led by His Excellency Dr. Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan, the former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
  The Electoral Commissions Forum of SADC Countries Observation Mission, under the leadership of Honourable Justice Jacob Mwambegele, Chairperson of the National Electoral Commission of the United Republic of Tanzania. His Excellency Mr. Elias Magosi, the Executive Secretary of SADC, also attended the occasion.