SADC embarks on busy election phase

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has a busy election calendar in 2024, with five of the 15 countries slated for presidential or general elections.By the end of the year, more than 35 million voters will have had the chance to cast their vote in the region.Countries set to have their elections in the region between now and December are Namibia, South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique and Mauritius.With South Africa all set to have its elections later this month, experts believe the outcome could have potential ramifications for the entire SADC region.Pay attentionFor Namibia, whose economic and political systems are closely linked to South Africa, the outcome of the 29 May polls will be of keen interest.Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah noted: “We must pay attention to it because it might influence other elections in the region since we have that common history in terms of voting patterns.”He added: “We are at the same level in terms of support base for the liberation struggle. South Africa is very vulnerable in terms of stability; you do not know what will happen. As Namibia, we want a stable neighbour because we import most of our goods and products from there, and our currency is pegged to theirs.”Kamwanyah says the outcome of the South African elections next week could set the tone for the rest of the region.He also says liberation movements will have to work harder than in the past to maintain their dominance.“It will be a tough year for liberation movements because citizens are asking tough questions and the movements are constantly in defence mode. Many are struggling to defend their records, which could be challenging for them because voters want to vote for issues instead of voting for history,” he said.Zim tiesZimbabwe is another country that could be profoundly influenced by the outcome in South Africa.As the countdown to the South African elections has narrowed to a mere eight days, the anticipation is rippling beyond the nation’s borders. Experts from South Africa and Zimbabwe weigh in on the significance of the upcoming elections and their far-reaching implications.In Zimbabwe, the upcoming South African elections are not merely viewed as a distant political event but as a crucial determinant of the nation’s future trajectory.Hamond Motsi, an esteemed agricultural expert in Zimbabwe, highlights the deep-rooted ties between the two nations and the potential impact of South Africa’s electoral outcome on Zimbabwe’s political and economic landscape.“These elections hold immense significance for Zimbabwe. The political relations between our countries are intricately intertwined, and any shift in South Africa’s leadership could have profound ramifications for us,” Motsi said.Motsi’s sentiments echo those of many in Zimbabwe, where citizens are keenly attuned to developments across the border, recognising the potential ripple effects that may ensue from the South African elections.‘Economic engine’Motsepe Matlala, president of the South African National African Farming Union (Nafu), emphasises the pivotal role of South Africa as a regional powerhouse and the implications of its electoral process for neighbouring nations.“As the economic engine of the region, South Africa’s elections reverberate far beyond its borders. The outcome of these elections will not only shape the trajectory of South Africa but will also influence political and economic dynamics across the entire SADC region,” Matlala says.While the perspectives of Motsi and Matlala may originate from different sides of the border, they converge on a central theme: the profound significance of the South African elections."As the economic powerhouse of the region, South Africa’s political landscape influences everything from trade agreements to regional cooperation.“If the ruling party retains power, it may signify continuity for us. But if there’s a change, it could herald new opportunities or challenges, depending on the policies of the incoming government.” Matlala said.*ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY OCTAVIA SPANDIEL REPORTING FOR FOOD FOR MZANZI.

SADC embarks on busy election phase

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Namibian Sun 2026-06-15

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SADC embarks on busy election phase

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Namibian Sun 2026-06-15

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