ELECTION DAY IN MAURITIUS

Professor Kula Ishmael Theletsane,
Director of the Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Affairs at the SADC Secretariat

“A well-informed public is essential to democracy”

Today, November 10, 2024, marks a significant day for Mauritius as its citizens head to the polls for the National Assembly elections. This democratic exercise, widely viewed as a testament to the island nation’s stability and commitment to fair governance, is being closely observed by the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The SADC Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM), led by Honourable Mohammed Othman Chande, former Chief Justice of Tanzania, has deployed teams of observers across all constituencies in Mauritius. Tasked with ensuring transparency and impartiality, SEOM’s mission reflects both regional solidarity and a dedication to upholding democratic values. As Mauritians cast their votes, SEOM’s presence highlights a broader commitment within the Southern African region to support free and fair elections, reinforcing public trust in the electoral process.

Mauritius holds its National Assembly elections today, November 10, 2024, marking another chapter in the island nation’s democratic history. In a display of solidarity and commitment to democratic integrity, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) launched its Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) to Mauritius earlier this week. This mission, led by Honourable Mohammed Othman Chande, former Chief Justice of Tanzania, has deployed a team of 34 observers from eight SADC member states. Positioned in teams of two to three observers across all 20 Mauritian constituencies, including Rodrigues Island, SEOM’s presence aims to foster transparency and fairness in today’s elections.

“The SEOM’s objective is to observe, not interfere, ensuring that the electoral process is free, fair, and conducted with integrity,” said Honourable Chande in his address during the mission’s launch. “This is an opportunity for Mauritius to demonstrate its commitment to democratic principles while allowing the region to support and learn from this process.” Honourable Chande’s words emphasized SEOM’s role as a neutral body, focusing solely on observing electoral conduct, from the opening of polling stations through to the final count of votes.

Our observations here in Mauritius could be a valuable reference for future elections within the region, fostering transparency and fairness in all member states.

SEOM’s mission is guided by the Revised SADC Principles and Guidelines, a set of protocols aligned with the African Union’s (AU) democratic standards. These principles call for inclusive and transparent elections, guaranteeing freedoms of association, assembly, and expression, and discouraging any electoral interference or intimidation. Professor Kula Ishmael Theletsane, Director of the Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Affairs at the SADC Secretariat, outlined these standards during a press briefing: “We adhere strictly to principles that protect the right of every citizen to participate in the democratic process without fear or restriction.”

In Mauritius, SEOM’s observers will scrutinize specific criteria across polling stations, including timeliness in opening, the accuracy of voter registers, the security of polling environments, and the transparency of the vote-counting process. “Our role is to verify that all election stages uphold the values of impartiality and fairness, which are the cornerstones of democratic elections,” Mr Theletsane explained, underscoring SEOM’s dedication to maintaining public trust in the electoral system. This approach ensures that SEOM remains an impartial body, offering support while respecting Mauritius’s sovereignty and democratic practices.

SEOM’s involvement began well before Election Day, with comprehensive assessments conducted to evaluate Mauritius’s readiness for a fair and peaceful election. The SADC Electoral Advisory Council, which visited Mauritius in August, conducted pre-election evaluations and met with a diverse array of stakeholders. Their findings affirmed that Mauritius has created a conducive environment for peaceful elections, with robust political stability and voter confidence in electoral institutions. The Council also noted that Mauritius has achieved an impressive voter registration rate, with almost 98% of eligible voters registered. 

“Mauritius’s high voter registration rate is a testament to the confidence its citizens have in the electoral system. This is an exceptional figure by African standards,” said Theletsane, commending the nation’s commitment to ensuring broad voter participation. SEOM has engaged with political parties, electoral bodies, civil society organizations, the National Assembly, and media representatives, ensuring a well-rounded perspective on the electoral landscape. According to Theletsane, “Our engagement with diverse groups provides a clearer view of the electoral environment, allowing us to assess not just the process but also the inclusivity and transparency that underpin it”.

While SEOM expressed optimism about the electoral environment, it has acknowledged several potential challenges, including language barriers and the risk of misinformation. To address these, SEOM is utilizing the Popola system, an ICT tool for real-time data collection that allows observers to record and share findings as events unfold. “The system enhances our ability to monitor and report with accuracy, even in complex environments,” explained Mr Theletsane. This technological support, combined with SEOM’s use of triangulation methods — verifying data through multiple sources—ensures the credibility and robustness of its assessments.

“Triangulation in data collection is a fundamental part of SEOM’s methodology,” noted Theletsane. “By verifying findings from different sources, we aim to provide a balanced and reliable assessment of the electoral process.” SEOM’s emphasis on technological tools and data accuracy underscores its commitment to transparency and reflects a modern approach to election observation. Observers, meanwhile, remain vigilant against misinformation, which has become a global challenge in electoral environments.

After today’s election, SEOM will compile a comprehensive report summarizing its observations, findings, and recommendations. This report will be shared with Mauritian authorities and other regional stakeholders, contributing to SADC’s mission of fostering good governance across Southern Africa. “Our recommendations are not only for the present election; they are a guide for future electoral practices,” Mr Theletsane explained, highlighting that the report will serve as a framework for strengthening Mauritius’s democratic institutions.

The recommendations will cover areas such as the legal framework, voter education, and inclusivity in candidate participation. They are intended not only to enhance Mauritius’s electoral system but to offer insights applicable across the SADC region. “Our observations here in Mauritius could be a valuable reference for future elections within the region, fostering transparency and fairness in all member states,” remarked Mr Theletsane, reiterating SEOM’s vision of a stable and democratic Southern Africa.

SEOM has also emphasized the importance of the media’s role in the electoral observation process. Recognizing that media outlets can bridge the gap between SEOM’s technical findings and public understanding, SEOM encourages the media to actively engage with its mission. “The media has a unique position to inform the public about the nuances of the electoral process,” Mr Theletsane noted, stressing that media engagement is essential to raise awareness about SEOM’s role and the broader significance of election observation.

Historically, SEOM has observed that while the public supports election observation missions, there is limited information available about the observers’ work. By collaborating with media houses, SEOM hopes to demystify its operations and communicate the value of its presence in Mauritius. “A well-informed public is essential to democracy, and the media can help to achieve this by making our observations more accessible,” Mr Theletsane added.

As Mauritians cast their ballots today, SEOM’s presence is a reminder of the broader regional commitment to democratic values and transparent governance. Mauritius, often seen as a model of stability in the region, has once again embraced the democratic process, reaffirming its reputation for peaceful and orderly elections. Today’s election serves as both a national event and a regional example of SADC’s dedication to promoting democratic integrity across borders.

For SADC, SEOM’s mission in Mauritius reflects a commitment to supporting democracy within member states and ensuring that elections adhere to the highest standards. By observing and assessing the Mauritian electoral process, SEOM’s findings and recommendations will provide valuable insights that can strengthen democratic frameworks throughout the region. 

“Mauritius is setting an example for the region,” Honourable Chande concluded. “Today, as citizens cast their votes, we are reminded of the power of democratic values and the importance of regional unity in upholding them.”