International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane is in Mozambique for the launch of the SADC Election Observer Mission ahead of the elections.

South Africa is facilitating the deployment of the observation missions in its capacity as chair of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security, which is responsible for promoting peace, security and stability in the region.

“Following the launch of the SADC Election Observer Mission on 3 October 2014 in Maputo, it is expected that SADC Election Observers will be deployed to all the provinces as of 4 October in preparation for the elections on 15 October,” the department said on Thursday.

Following the elections, the SADC Electoral Observation Mission will, as practice, issue a preliminary statement on the elections.

Mozambique’s Presidential, Legislative and Provincial Elections will pit Renamo leader Afonso Dhlakama against Felipe Nyasa, the candidate of the ruling party, Frelimo, to succeed President Armando Guebuza after serving two terms.

Last year, the country saw tensions after the former rebel movement Renamo was at loggerheads with the Frelimo government, accusing it of not honouring the Rome peace agreement they signed in 1992.

Since then, the two sides have formally approved an agreement on the cessation of hostilities on both sides.

There will be 17 199 polling stations in the country for the upcoming elections, according to the National Elections Commission in that country.