Muluzi leads Commonwealth observers in Swaziland

Former Malawi president Bakili Muluzi has been appointed by the Commonwealth Secretariat to chair a Commonwealth Expert Team for national elections in Swaziland scheduled to be held on September 20.

The team, according to an invitation letter from the Commonwealth secretary general and seen by The Nation, will compromise five members.

In an interview on Thursday, Muluzi confirmed receiving the invitation and said he accepted the task.

Team members have been invited in their personal capacities and the views they would express regarding the elections will be their own and not either of their respective governments or of the Commonwealth secretariat, according to the letter.

The team is expected to be in Swaziland from September 15.

Commonwealth Secretary General Kamalesh Sharma, who signed the letter, said the appointed members are aware of the significance of the Swaziland elections and believed that their contribution would strengthen the democratic process in the country and throughout the Commonwealth.

The team, according to terms of reference, will submit a report to the Commonwealth secretary general, who will forward it to the government of Swaziland, the Elections and Boundaries Commission, political and civil society organisations, and thereafter, to all Commonwealth governments.