Thursday, November 27, 2014

Namibia: SADC observer mission head praises Namibia

South Africa's Minister for International Relations and Cooperation Maite Nkoana-Mashabane has praised Namibia for its commitment to multi-party democracy by holding successive free and fair elections since independence.

While launching the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Election Observer Mission (SEOM) to Namibia's general elections, Nkoana-Mashabane described Namibia as a “young and vibrant democracy”.

“These, the 5th national democratic elections since independence in 1990, are significant and consistent with democratic practice in terms of regular elections,” said Nkoana-Mashabane.

“The people of Namibia have shown commitment to multi-party democracy, and elections are an important exercise in pluralism and are an essential element in the democratic process.”

She noted that the electoral process is fundamental to any competitive democracy as it allows eligible voters to express their political will and choice.

“The upcoming electoral process therefore capacitates and enables the voters to own and identify with a democratic political system, its structures and institutions,” she said.

Nkoana-Mashabane heads a 90 member SADC electoral observation team, which is in the country to witness the Presidential and National Assembly elections.

 The Namibian

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