STORY: SADC observation mission calls for credible, fair elections in South Africa
SHOOTING DATE: May 22, 2024
DATELINE: May 25, 2024
LENGTH: 00:01:09
LOCATION: JOHANNESBURG, South Africa
CATEGORY: POLITICS

SHOTLIST:
1. various of electoral observation mission launched by Southern African Development Community (SADC)
2. SOUNDBITE (English): ENOCK KAVINDELE, Head of the SADC observation mission

STORYLINE:

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) launched its electoral observation mission to South Africa in Johannesburg on Wednesday, urging all stakeholders to ensure that the upcoming general elections are conducted in a credible, free and fair manner.
   
Enock Kavindele, head of the SADC observation mission, said that his team comprises 81 people from 11 SADC countries. All mission officials have been trained and are being deployed in all provinces of South Africa.
   
SOUNDBITE (English): ENOCK KAVINDELE, Head of the SADC observation mission
"We are here to observe the elections that are going to take place on the 29th of May 2024. And we believe that almost everything is in place. We've had discussions with various state institutions and we've been assured that we're ready to go."
   
Kavindele said that they observe elections in SADC member states to ensure that regional countries adhere to the relevant provisions of the SADC principles and guidelines governing democratic elections.
   
The mission will observe whether measures are in place to prevent corruption, bribery, favoritism, political violence, intimidation and intolerance. Kavindele welcomed the efforts made by the Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa to tackle misinformation.
   
South Africa will hold national and local government elections on May 29. 

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Johannesburg, South Africa.
(XHTV)