Commonwealth expert team report says Mozambique local elections 'credible'
28 January 2004
"After what has been a rewarding mission for members of the team, you will find that our conclusions reflect a general determination that the 2003 Local Elections were intrinsically democratic, and that the people of Mozambique have been allowed to express their will in a peaceful atmosphere."
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“The 2003 Local Elections were intrinsically democratic." |
The elections were held on 19 November 2003, and according to the report they credibly reflect the will of the Mozambican people.
In a statement issued on 23 January 2004, the Secretary-General said, "I congratulate the people of Mozambique and look forward to continued progress between now and the Presidential and Parliamentary elections later this year."
The report was made public last week after it was first delivered to the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the President of Mozambique, the President of the National Electoral Commission, and Commonwealth governments.
"After what has been a rewarding mission for members of the team, you will find that our conclusions reflect a general determination that the 2003 Local Elections were intrinsically democratic, and that the people of Mozambique have been allowed to express their will in a peaceful atmosphere," the report stated.
Following their observations at the elections, the expert team recommended in their report that the Commonwealth provide technical assistance to Mozambique -- assistance that would offer ways of creating an environment conducive to enhancing and improving the electoral machinery.
The team said they were all humbled by the openness, warmth and generosity of Mozambicans, particularly those who assisted the team during its mission in the country. The team was led by Ms Esther Audu, Board Member of the Commonwealth Local Government Forum, and also included the Chair of the Independent Electoral Commission of Lesotho, Mr Leshele Thoahlane.
The members of the expert team began work on 12 November 2003 and were asked by the Secretary-General to observe preparations for the elections, the polling, counting and results process, and the overall electoral environment. They remained in Mozambique until 24 November 2003.
The decision to send the Commonwealth Expert Team followed an invitation from the President of Mozambique during discussions with the Secretary-General in early 2003.
The full report of the Expert Team can be found at: Mozambique Election Report
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