Botswana is gearing up to host the 2024 edition of the elections on October 30 to elect the new government. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) has reached Botswana for this purpose.
The Electoral Observation Mission paid a visit to the Botswana Police Service after the team arrivedĀ in the nation. The Commissioner of Police Dinah Marathe gave the team a warm welcome for the members of the SEOM Team.
The team visited the Commissioner of Police on Monday led by the former Prime Minister of Tanzania. During the visit Mizengo Kayanza Peter Pinda delivered a brief address in front of the Commissioner of Police.
He spoke about the significance of SEOM Team to ensure successful, free and fair elections in Botswana.
He noted that as part of the established practice of an electoral dispensation, they needed to visit Botswana Police Service (BPS). He called the organization as a critical stakeholder in delivering a secure and peaceful Election process.
The Former PM said that as the Observer Mission, they desired to interact with and check on the level of preparedness by the BPS. He reasoned that this is a very important security organ in the upcoming General Elections.
He said the SEOM will be in Botswana to witness and participate in the electoral process as it unfolded.
The Commissioner of Police, Commissioner Dinah Marathe, assured the Mission that the BPS has adequately prepared. She further said that the elections will be held line with national laws, regional and international standards, and protocols.
She also acknowledged that elections are a very critical and delicate exercise that requires the joint efforts of all stakeholders involved in the process.
Commissioner Marathe said Botswana Police Service is mandated to ensure a conducive environment, allowing all registered citizens to vote with ease. She informed the Observer Mission that they have trained the officers to enforce the Electoral Act.
They are equipped and trained to observe human rights regarding elections in Botswana.
The Commissioner said the BPS recognises and appreciates the role of Election Observers in a democracy. She assured them of their safety and security throughout their stay in Botswana.