| | Six SADC countries are preparing for elections during the course of the year as the region's democracy and governance once again come under the spotlight. Although election dates are not yet confirmed in some of the countries, it is almost certain Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia and South Africa will hold either presidential or parliamentary elections between March and December 2004. Lesotho will have its local government elections in November.
South Africa's third multi-party presidential and parliamentary elections are scheduled for 14 April, during which incumbent President Thabo Mbeki will lead his ruling African National Congress (ANC) in the country's third multi-racial ballot. While analysts predict a comfortable ANC victory, the challenge for the governing party will be how to maintain the high voter interest shown in the 1994 and 1999 elections that recorded a turnout of 86% and 89% respectively (see ROAPE 100: Special Issue on South Africa). |
