INTRODUCTION
The Electoral Support Network of Southern Africa (ESN-SA) and the Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) jointly deployed a ten-member observer mission with experienced observation practitioners to observe polling processes in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and Western Cape Provinces during the National and Provincial elections. The primary objective of the Joint Observer Mission was to evaluate whether the South African electoral process adhered to national laws and to determine if the country’s electoral framework aligns with regional and international principles, norms, standards, and best practices. This initiative underscores the Network’s dedication to advancing democratic integrity and transparent electoral processes throughout the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.

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Introduction
Independent election observation plays a vital role in safeguarding democracy. It enhances transparency, builds trust, and promotes accountability, all of which are essential for maintaining the integrity of electoral process and the health of democratic institutions. The insights gained from election observers inform future electoral processes, thereby strengthening democratic norms of a country.

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21-OCTOBER-2024 – The Electoral Support Network of Southern Africa (ESNSA)
expresses profound concern regarding the brutal killings of Elvino Dias and Paulo
Guambe, as well as the violent clashes following the 2024 Presidential and Legislative
Elections. These tragic incidents underscore the persistent election-related conflict and
violence in Mozambique and call for the urgent need for peace, justice, and accountability
in the region. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims and those affected by the
conflict.

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The Electoral Support Network of Southern Africa (ESN-SA) and the Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) deployed a joint observation and learning mission to South Africa’s 2024 National and Provincial Elections. The mission comprised 10 observers who were deployed to three (3) Provinces, namely Gauteng, Kwa-Zulu Natal and Western Cape Provinces, from 26 to 31 May 2024.

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INTRODUCTION
The Electoral Support Network of Southern Africa (ESN-SA) and the Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) jointly deployed a ten-member observer mission with experienced observation practitioners to observe polling processes in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and Western Cape Provinces during the National and Provincial elections. The primary objective of the Joint Observer Mission was to evaluate whether the South African electoral process adhered to national laws and to determine if the country’s electoral framework aligns with regional and international principles, norms, standards, and best practices. This initiative underscores the Network’s dedication to advancing democratic integrity and transparent electoral processes throughout the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.

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The Electoral Support Network of Southern Africa (ESN-SA) hosted a three (3) day Election Observation Academy at the Capitol Hotel in Johannesburg from 10 to 12 of April 2024. The academy sought enhance the capacity of ESN- SA members to engage in interventions related to Election Observation, including campaign finance, media and social media monitoring as well as to promote cross and peer learning across domestic observer networks in Southern Africa. In attendance at the academy were 26 representatives from ESN-SA member organisations from Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

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Nairobi, Kenya – March 1, 2024 – In a landmark initiative poised to shape the future of African elections, Yiaga Africa, African Election Observers Network (AfEONet), West Africa Election Observers Network (WAEON), Election Observation Group (ELOG), and the Electoral Support Network of Southern Africa (ESN-SA), are proud to announce the Conference on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Elections in Africa supported by the Luminate Group. This critical conference is scheduled for 16 – 17 March 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya, setting the stage for a robust discussion on the opportunities and risks of AI integration in African elections.

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