Ex-Tanzanian speaker to head Namibia’s elections

The former Tanzanian speaker of parliament and head of mission (HoM) of the SADC Electoral Observer Mission (SEOM), Anne Makinda, will oversee Namibia’s upcoming elections.

This was announced in a media statement by the SEOM on Monday.

According to the statement, Makinda was appointed by Tanzanian president Samia Suluhu Hassan in her capacity as the chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation. This is in accordance with the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections (2021).

“The guidelines mandate the chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation to appoint the head of SEOMs.

“The official launch of the SEOM for the presidential and National Assembly elections in Namibia is scheduled to take place on 20 November at 11h00 in Windhoek,” notes the statement.

The launch forms part of the awareness-raising initiatives. Furthermore, during the SEOM’s time in Namibia, the HoM and her delegation will make a courtesy visit to the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, among other activities, notes the SEOM.

“The delegation will also engage with all political parties, security agencies, religious groups, civil societies, youth and women’s groups, and election stakeholders. On 27 November, the SEOM will carry out election day observations during the polling day.”