• HEAD of the SADC Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) Maite Nkoana-Mashabane (second left), leading other members of the observer mission on arrival for a Press briefing at Cresta Goff view Hotel in Lusaka yesterday.

By SARAH MWANZA –
SIXTY-FIVE Southern African Development Community (SADC) election observers will be deployed across the country to monitor presidential elections set for January 20.
Head of SADC Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM), Maite Nkoana-Mashabane said the deployment of the mission was aimed at supporting the democratic process in Zambia.
Ms Mashabane who is also South African Minister of International Relations and Co-operation said in Lusaka yesterday during the launch of the observer mission that the observers would be visible on voting day.
She said the deployment of the SADC observers affirmed region’s commitment and support to democracy in Zambia.
Ms Mashabane said Zambia had in the past held peaceful, free and fair elections hence and expressed confidence that this month’s elections would not be different.
She said SADC expected all political parties to conduct themselves in the manner that contributed to democratic elections.
Speaking at the same event, SADC executive secretary Stergomena Tax said Zambia had a long standing tradition of holding election and the high turnout of voters usually recorded was a clear testimony of democracy.
Dr Tax said while Zambia had a long standing electoral tradition, the deployment of the SEOM was aimed at supporting the democratic process in the country.
He called on all stakeholders to uphold the democratic value and principles and the rule of law that governed the electoral process in Zambia.