Commonwealth Appoints Dr. Kenny Anthony to Lead Observer Group for Mozambique Elections

Dr. Kenny Anthony, former Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, has been appointed to lead the Commonwealth Observer Group for the Mozambique general elections on October 9, 2024. The group will monitor the electoral process, engaging with stakeholders and reporting preliminary findings post-election.

The Commonwealth has appointed Dr. Kenny Anthony, the former Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, to lead its observer group for the upcoming general elections in Mozambique scheduled for October 9, 2024. The observer group will be present in Mozambique from October 1 to 15, 2024, to monitor various aspects of the electoral process, including the opening, voting, closing, counting, and management of results. \n\nDuring an announcement in London, Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland KC expressed appreciation for the invitation from the Mozambique National Election Commission. Dr. Scotland underscored the importance of this mission in light of the Commonwealth’s long-standing commitment to supporting democratic processes and maintaining electoral integrity internationally. \n\nIn response to his appointment, Dr. Anthony expressed honour and privilege at being chosen to lead this significant mission. He acknowledged the support he would receive from a diverse team of eleven experts from different Commonwealth nations, encompassing various fields related to elections and democracy. \n\nUpon arrival in Mozambique, the observers will engage with key stakeholders—including election management bodies, political parties, civil societies, and the media—to understand the electoral environment. Observers will also be deployed across provinces starting October 7 to further assess electoral preparations. They will provide a preliminary statement on their findings two days after the election, specifically on October 11, 2024. \n\nThe group’s mandate includes evaluating whether the elections adhere to the standards expected of democratic processes as outlined in Mozambique’s own legislative framework, as well as the commitments made under regional and international guidelines.

The Commonwealth is an intergovernmental organization composed of 54 member states, many of which are former territories of the British Empire. One of its primary objectives is to promote democracy, human rights, and the rule of law around the world. The appointment of election observers serves as a vital tool for ensuring fair and transparent electoral processes, which is essential for stable governance and public trust in political systems. Mozambique has been a member of the Commonwealth since 1995, and active observation of its electoral processes underscores the Commonwealth’s commitment to supporting its democratic institutions and practices.

The Commonwealth’s upcoming observation of Mozambique’s elections represents a significant commitment to uphold democratic values and ensure the integrity of the electoral process. Dr. Kenny Anthony’s leadership of the observer group, along with a team of experienced professionals, underscores the importance of credible elections in empowering citizens to influence their nation’s future. Through their focused engagement and monitoring, the Commonwealth aims not only to support Mozambique’s democracy but also to reinforce the principles espoused in the Commonwealth Charter.

Original Source: thecommonwealth.org