The Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) has congratulated its former president, Georgina Kekea, on her selection to be part of the Commonwealth Expert Team (CET) to observe the October 30 elections in the African nation of Botswana.
Kekea, who was MASI president from 2019 until September this year, flew out of the country on Sunday to join the mission.
New MASI president Ofani Eremae says the association is proud of Kekea’s selection to be part of the Commonwealth election observer group.
“Georgina has led MASI during one of the most challenging times in the history of our country,” Eremae said.
“She steered MASI through a challenging period and ensured the local media association came out stronger,” he added.
“I believe her selection to be part of the Commonwealth election observer mission was based on her exemplary leadership during those years.
“The MASI family couldn’t be prouder seeing one of its own selected to undertake a significant role with the Commonwealth.”
Botswana, a member of the Commonwealth family, will go to the polls on October 30. The Commonwealth expert team is being led by Gideon Moi, a Kenyan Senator. Others are: Ms Pamela Ogiste, Assistant Chief Election Officer, Elections and Boundaries Commission, Trinidad and Tobago Judge Peter Herbert OBE, Human Rights Barrister & Judge (ret.) United Kingdom Ms Chipokota Mwanawasa, Policy Adviser to President of Zambia Mr Idzuafi Hadi Kamilan, Executive Director, Institute for Political Reform and Democracy, Malaysia.
The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Rt Hon Patricia Scotland, KC, said the “Commonwealth’s presence in Botswana to observe these elections reaffirms our unwavering commitment to democracy and human rights.
“Building resilient societies demands free, fair, and inclusive electoral processes.
“We stand in solidarity with the people of Botswana in upholding democracy and development values as enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter.”
The Secretary-General expressed her gratitude to each expert team member for participating in the assignment, which she said is important to support Botswana’s democratic journey.