Gaborone, Botswana. The Electoral Commissions Forum of SADC Countries (ECF-SADC) on 11th June 2026 undertook a high-level courtesy visit to the President of the Republic of Botswana, His Excellency Duma Gideon Boko, reaffirming the region’s collective commitment to democratic governance, electoral integrity, and institutional strengthening.
The visit was led by the Forum’s President and Chairperson of the National Electoral Commission of Angola , Hon Justice Dr Manuel Pereira da Silva. The delegation comprised Mr Denis Kazadi Kadima , Chairperson of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) of the DRC abd also Vice Presidentof the Forum, Mr Mosotho Moepya , Chairperson of the Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa and also Executive Committee Chairperson of the Forum, Rev Dr John Maphephe, the Chairperson of Independent Electoral Commission of Lesotho and also Vice Executive Committee Chairperson. The IEC Botswana Chairperson Hon Justice Barnabas Nyamadzabo. The delegation was supported by the ECF SADC Secretariat Executive Secretary and ither senior members of the participating member commissions.
The ECF-SADC remarks gave an overview of the regional electoral outlook , highlighting the responsibilities of Electoral Management Bodies across the region and the importance of coordinated action in the face of evolving democratic challenges. The remarks underscored the critical role of regional cooperation and cross-border experience sharing as tools for improving the credibility and public confidence in electoral processes.
The ECF-SADC recognized the Botswana’s longstanding role as the host of its Permanent Secretariat since 2005. The Forum also appreciated the smooth transition of power demonstrated by Botswana in 2024 and cited this move as a best practice for the SADC region.
The courtesy visit also provided an opportunity for sharing the challenges confronting EMBs including
- Sustainable financing for electoral institutions
- Digital transformation of electoral processes and
Citizen trust and public confidence in electoral outcomes
