Back to Bizweek
SEARCH AND PRESS ENTER
Latest News

African Union Electoral Observation Mission

“International standards emphasize the importance of same-day counting”

The African Union Electoral Observation Mission (AUEOM), led by Her Excellency Terai Joice Mujuru, Former Vice President of Zimbabwe, commended the country for conducting transparent, peaceful, and efficient elections. Deployed across 16 constituencies, the Mission observed orderly voting processes, inclusive polling arrangements, and commendable trust-building measures such as candidate seals on ballot boxes and inquiry units at polling centers. Despite these successes, the AUEOM identified areas requiring attention, including gender and youth underrepresentation, the absence of local election observers, and delayed ballot counting procedures. Mrs Mujuru emphasized the need for reforms, stating, “Strengthening inclusivity and transparency is essential for Mauritius to maintain its status as a beacon of democracy.” The Mission’s preliminary recommendations focused on legal quotas for women, same-day ballot counting, and enhanced campaign financing regulations, with a final report expected in the coming weeks.

The African Union Electoral Observation Mission (AUEOM), under the leadership of Her Excellency Terai Joice Mujuru, Former Vice President of Zimbabwe, has delivered its preliminary findings on the National Assembly elections held in Mauritius on November 10, 2024. Speaking during the mission’s wrap-up on November 14, Mujuru lauded the peaceful, transparent, and efficient conduct of the elections while highlighting critical areas requiring attention to align with international and regional democratic standards.

 

The Mauritian people have once again demonstrated their deep commitment to democracy,” remarked Her Excellency Mujuru, adding, “This election was conducted in a manner that reflects the values of discipline, respect, and inclusivity – key pillars of any thriving democratic process.

 

Strengthening inclusivity and transparency is essential for Mauritius to maintain its status as a beacon of democracy.

 

The AUEOM deployed 50 observers, representing 21 African Union Member States, to assess the elections in accordance with key AU instruments such as the African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance (2007). The observers visited 191 polling centers across 16 constituencies and identified several commendable practices that underscored the integrity of the electoral process.

 

  1. Efficient Polling Operations:

Observers noted a smooth and well-organized voting process supported by adequately trained polling staff. “The efficiency of the polling stations was remarkable,” Mrs Mujuru emphasized. “Voters were able to cast their ballots without unnecessary delays, reflecting the professionalism of the Electoral Commissioner’s Office.”

 

  1. Increased Accessibility:

Special polling rooms equipped with ramps for voters with disabilities highlighted efforts to ensure inclusivity. Additionally, hourly updates on voter turnout enhanced transparency and fostered public trust.

 

  1. Trust-Building Measures:

Measures such as allowing candidates to seal ballot boxes and the establishment of inquiry units at each polling station to address voter concerns were praised for increasing electoral credibility.

 

  1. Inclusivity in Electoral Roles:

The high representation of women among polling staff and agents was another noteworthy achievement. “This is a step in the right direction, as women played critical roles in ensuring the smooth operation of the electoral process,” Mrs Mujuru noted.

 

  1. Respectful Atmosphere:

The observers commended the discipline and courtesy shown by voters, polling staff, and candidates. “The respect demonstrated toward the elderly and individuals with special needs reflects the cultural values of Mauritius,” stated Mrs Mujuru.

 

Areas for Improvement

 

While acknowledging the successful conduct of the elections, the AUEOM highlighted several areas requiring immediate attention:

 

  1. Gender and Youth Representation:

Despite women comprising 51.3% of registered voters, they accounted for only 18.5% of the 891 candidates. Mrs Mujuru expressed concern, saying, “This falls far below the 50% gender parity prescribed by the African Union Protocol on the Rights of Women in Africa. Concrete measures are needed to ensure equitable representation of women and youth in politics.

 

  1. Limited Role of Citizen Observers:

The absence of local observers was identified as a gap in the electoral process. “Citizen participation as observers enhances transparency and strengthens public confidence in the system,” Mrs Mujuru observed.

 

  1. Delayed Ballot Counting:

The practice of counting votes at centralized centers the day after polling drew criticism. “International standards emphasize the importance of same-day counting at polling stations to ensure transparency and minimize risks of manipulation,” Mrs Mujuru explained.

 

  1. Electoral Dispute Mechanisms:

The lack of clear timeframes for filing electoral appeals and resolving disputes was flagged as a concern. The Mission stressed the need for a more robust framework to handle grievances promptly.

 

Recommendations for Strengthening Democracy

 

The AUEOM proposed a set of actionable reforms to address these gaps and further enhance the democratic process in Mauritius:

 

  • Introduce Legal Quotas for Women and Youth:

We urge the government to consider constitutional or legal quotas to promote the participation of women, youth, and persons with disabilities,” Mrs Mujuru stated. This recommendation aligns with the African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance.

 

  • Adopt a Political Parties Act:

Regulating the conduct of political parties before, during, and after elections was deemed essential to maintaining a level playing field.

 

  • Strengthen Campaign Financing Regulations:

Transparent financing is key to ensuring fairness. Strengthening the Political Party Finance Act would address disparities and create a more equitable campaign environment,” Mrs Mujuru suggested.

 

  • Enact Laws for Same-Day Ballot Counting:

Immediate counting at polling stations was recommended to enhance trust in the electoral process.

 

  • Ratify Key AU Instruments:

Mauritius was encouraged to ratify the African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance to demonstrate its commitment to continental standards.

 

The AUEOM concluded that Mauritius’ 2024 elections were conducted in compliance with national laws and were broadly consistent with regional and international standards. “These elections reflect Mauritius’ democratic maturity and its reputation as a beacon of stability in Africa,” Mrs Mujuru stated. However, she underscored the importance of continuous improvement, adding, “Strengthening the inclusivity and transparency of elections is not just a necessity; it is a responsibility we owe to future generations.”

 

The Mission’s final report, which will include comprehensive findings and detailed recommendations, is expected to be published within a month. This document will serve as a roadmap for Mauritius to address its electoral challenges and further consolidate its democratic gains.

Skip to content