One must, however, commend the initiatives taken by our governments and cooperating partners in ensuring the domestication of the provisions of the Model Law on Elections and in addressing some of the challenges highlighted in these discussions.
Let me, further, extend our appreciation that not only has the presenter pointed out challenges in the issues raised, but they have also offered possible solutions to the problems in our electoral systems and in the regulation of political financing. The presentations have also helped identify and provide clarity on the critical areas in the Model Law, around which we can strategically focus going forward in our mission to monitor the domestication of our Model Laws. You will agree with me, Honourable Members that our interaction with the presenter has thrown a challenge to us as Parliamentarians, to be more robust in undertaking our oversight role on national elections in the SADC region and the protection of political rights of women, the youth and marginalized groups. The engagement today has also encouraged us to actively participate in domestication initiatives in our respective countries. It has also shed light on areas of the Model Law on which we need to pay particular attention as legislators as we execute our mandate.
Honourable Members, the SADC Model Laws are key instruments that will transform the SADC community in the Africa Region. I wish to implore Honourable Members to advocate and support amendments to key legislation in their respective jurisdictions in order to reinforce the domestic legal framework to promote inclusive governance, specifically participation and representation of women, youth and minority groups in elections as well as putting in place sound electoral systems and political financing regulation.
I remain confident that Honourable Members will utilize the information acquired to diligently serve the SADC citizenry by prioritizing the issues covered in the thematic areas in national policies and laws.
At this juncture, let me seize this opportunity to extend my sincere gratitude to all Honourable Members present here for taking time from other equally important assignments to attend this meeting. A word of thanks also for the active participation, valuable interventions and contributions that each Member has made throughout our deliberations today. Without your participation, Honourable Members, the Committee would not have made the progress that has been made today. In other words, we have been able to successfully deliberate on matters of importance to our region only because each one of you, Honourable Members, was committed to the cause and you made your presence count. The positive outcome is the fruit of your hard work.
Ladies and Gentlemen, as I conclude, permit me to thank all those who have worked tirelessly to make this meeting a success, particularly the unsung heroes, our Secretary General and her staff. Thank you, Madam Secretary General, for your commitment and hard work. I also wish to thank all partners who continue to support us in various ways, including the presenters for today. Without your support, our work would be that much more difficult.
With these few remarks I thank you and declare the meeting closed.
