Francine Baron, former foreign minister of Dominica, has joined the Commonwealth Observer Group monitoring the upcoming general elections in Mozambique from October 1 to 15, 2024. Led by Dr. Kenny Anthony, the group will observe all aspects of the electoral process on October 9. The initiative is part of the Commonwealth’s commitment to promoting electoral integrity, ensuring the elections adhere to democratic standards, and reflecting the will of the Mozambican electorate.
Former Foreign Minister of Dominica, Francine Baron, has been appointed to the Commonwealth Observer Group responsible for monitoring the upcoming general elections in Mozambique. This group, led by Dr. Kenny Anthony, the former Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, is scheduled to observe the electoral processes from October 1 to October 15, 2024. During this period, they will inspect various phases of the election, including the opening, voting, closing, counting, and overall results management, pertinent to the elections taking place on October 9, which involve presidential, national, and provincial positions. The announcement was made by Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland in London, who also emphasized the importance of this election observation mission, stating, “Mozambique is a valued member of the Commonwealth family, and this election observation exercise is testament to our commitment to supporting them.” She further highlighted the Commonwealth’s longstanding tradition of promoting electoral integrity globally, having observed over 200 elections in more than 40 countries. Dr. Anthony expressed his gratitude and honor in leading the mission, recognizing the expertise of the eleven diverse members selected from various Commonwealth nations, bringing a wealth of knowledge in areas such as law, civil society, politics, human rights, and media. Upon their arrival, the observers will engage with key stakeholders, including the electoral management body, political parties, civil society groups, and media representatives. From October 7, they will deploy in small teams across various provinces to observe electoral preparations and meet with local stakeholders. On election day, the group will thoroughly monitor the electoral process and, afterward, release an initial statement summarizing their preliminary findings on October 11, 2024. Their mandate is to assess the credibility of the electoral procedures and to ensure that the elections align with the standards for democratic elections that Mozambique has committed to uphold, in accordance with regional and international commitments. The appointed members of the Commonwealth Observer Group include distinguished individuals such as Pauline Welsh from Jamaica, Charles Keter from Kenya, and Dr. Karabo Mokobocho-Mohlakoana from Lesotho, alongside others from various Commonwealth nations, demonstrating a wide array of expertise. Historically, the Commonwealth has overseen general elections in Dominica, with the most recent observation conducted after the December 2022 elections, which were deemed by the Commonwealth Observer Mission as reflective of the collective will of the Dominican voters, underscoring the legitimacy of the electoral process in the region.
The Commonwealth Observer Group is an initiative aimed at promoting electoral integrity and fairness in elections held in member states. The group observes various stages of the electoral process to ensure compliance with democratic principles as set out in international standards. Mozambique, as a member of the Commonwealth, has requested the observation of its forthcoming elections to uphold transparency and credibility in its electoral practices. The initiative underscores the broader commitment of the Commonwealth to support member nations in enhancing democratic governance and ensuring that electoral rights are protected and exercised effectively. The involvement of diverse experts in the observer group highlights a collaborative effort to uphold democracy. This mission aligns with global trends emphasizing the importance of credible electoral processes, particularly in nations facing challenges to their democratic frameworks.
In conclusion, Francine Baron’s appointment to the Commonwealth Observer Group reflects a significant commitment to promoting democratic integrity in Mozambique’s upcoming elections. The group’s comprehensive observation of the electoral process, led by experienced individuals from various Commonwealth nations, aims to ensure transparency and adherence to democratic standards, thus reinforcing Mozambique’s role within the Commonwealth community. The Mission’s findings will play a crucial role in assessing the credibility of the elections and fostering an environment where the citizens of Mozambique can exercise their rights effectively.
Original Source: dominicanewsonline.com
