Brussels (The Brussels Morning Newspaper) – In reaction to an invitation by the National Election Commission of Mozambique, the European Union has arranged to deploy an Election Observation Mission (EOM) to monitor the general elections in Mozambique on 9 October.
What Is the Role of the EU Election Observation Mission?
The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell has designated Laura Ballarin Cereza, Member of the European Parliament, as Chief Observer.
High Representative Josep Borrell said: “Mozambique and the EU are linked by a deep and long-lasting partnership. The EU has deployed Election Observation Missions to Mozambique for every general election since the country’s return to multi-party elections in 1994. The general elections in October will be another opportunity to consolidate the country’s democratic transition and will have important ramifications for the region and the continent as a whole.”
How Will Laura Ballarin Cereza Lead the EU EOM?
The Chief Observer, Laura Ballarin Cereza, expressed: “I am honoured to lead the EU EOM to Mozambique. I look forward to meeting and engaging with representatives of State institutions, political parties and candidates, as well as representatives of civil society organisations, in particular women and youth, to help support a credible and peaceful election.”
The EU EOM will deliver a comprehensive, independent, and impartial review of the electoral process based on international and regional standards for democratic elections. The EU EOM will be comprised of different groups of observers. The Core Team will consist of 10 election experts who are scheduled to come to Mozambique on 27 August 2024. By 9 September, 32 long-term observers will join the assignment and will be deployed across the country to follow the election drive. Thereafter, short-term observers will strengthen the mission on election day. The EU EOM will stay in the country until the fulfilment of the electoral process.
In line with the EU methodology on election compliance, the mission will administer a preliminary statement and hold a press meeting in Maputo after the elections. A final report, including suggestions for future electoral processes, will be given and shared with stakeholders after the finalisation of the entire electoral process.
