Mutharika Appoints Richard Msowoya as Head of SADC Election Observer Mission to Tanzania

President Arthur Peter Mutharika, Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, has appointed former Speaker of Malawi’s Parliament, Richard Msowoya, as Head of Mission for the SADC Electoral Observer Mission (SEOM) to Tanzania.

This appointment comes ahead of Tanzania’s upcoming General Elections, scheduled for 29th October 2025, where voters will elect the President, Members of the National Assembly, and Ward Councillors.

Confirming the development, Malawi’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, George Chaponda, explained that the SEOM operates under the direction of the Chairperson of the SADC Organ, a role currently held by President Mutharika. He further noted that the Head of Mission is appointed following a formal invitation from a Member State to observe its national elections.

Chaponda added that the Chairperson is supported in this role by the Organ Troika, which includes the current, incoming, and outgoing Chairpersons of the Ministerial Committee of the Organ (MCO), as well as two representatives from the SADC Electoral Advisory Council (SEAC). Where necessary, the Chairperson may also appoint an Alternate Head of Mission to support the execution of the Mission’s mandate.