Commonwealth Observer Group issues Final Report on 2009 National and Provincial Elections in Mozambique

Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma has today released the Final Report of the Commonwealth Observer Group which observed the 28 October 2009 elections in Mozambique. 

While issuing the report, he said: "The Commonwealth Observer Group found that the elections had been generally well conducted, meeting a number of key benchmarks for democratic elections to which Mozambique has committed itself.” 

The Secretary-General continued: "The Group also highlighted that there remain some shortcomings which need to be addressed to ensure future elections fully meet benchmarks for democratic elections. Of particular concern for these elections was the lack of transparency in the work of the National Elections Commission, and the controversy regarding the rejection of some party candidate lists.”

The Secretary-General also stressed that, “the Commonwealth Secretariat stands ready to assist the Government of Mozambique, if requested, to help further strengthen the democratic processes in the country”.

Note to Editors:

The Report was completed and signed by all members of the Commonwealth Observer Group prior to their departure from Mozambique on 4 December. It was presented to the Commonwealth Secretary-General by the Chair of the Group, H.E. Dr. Ahmad Tejan Kabbah, former President of Sierra Leone. Before being made public, it was also distributed to the Government of Mozambique, political parties in the country, the National Elections Commission, as well as all other Commonwealth governments.

Click here for the report