Dr. Amani Abeid Karume Arrives in Mozambique to Lead SADC Electoral Observation Mission

H.E. Dr. Amani Abeid Karume, former President of Zanzibar, has arrived in Maputo, Mozambique, to begin his role as Head of Mission (HoM) for the SADC Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) in advance of the upcoming National, Legislative, and Provincial Elections scheduled for October 9, 2024. Dr. Karume was appointed by Her Excellency Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania and Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation. The Chairperson has also tasked the SADC Secretariat with coordinating the SEOM, including the deployment of observers in accordance with Article 3 of the revised SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections (2021), which mandates SADC to observe all General Elections within its member states. The official launch of the SEOM in Mozambique is set for October 3, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Hotel Avenida in Maputo. Prior to the launch, the SEOM HoM will make a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Mozambique. He is also scheduled to meet with leaders from the National Electoral Commission (CNE), the Technical Secretariat for Electoral Administration (STAE), and the SADC Ambassadors and High Commissioners accredited to Mozambique. Additionally, between October 1 and October 10, Dr. Karume will engage with various electoral stakeholders and observe the election process on polling day.