EU underlines the importance of democratic transition in Liberia

USPA NEWS - The EU Election Observation Mission to Liberia was deployed at the invitation of the Liberian authorities and arrived on 1st September with an advanced team of analysts in Monrovia. The Presidential and House of Representatives Elections scheduled for 10 October 2017 are a crucial test for the democratic process in Liberia. A peaceful transition from one elected president to another is important not only for Liberia but also as an example for the region“, said Chief Observer Ms. Maria Arena on Friday during a press conference in Monrovia.

“The Presidential and House of Representatives Elections scheduled for 10 October 2017 are a crucial test for the democratic process in Liberia. A peaceful transition from one elected president to another is important not only for Liberia but also as an example for the region“, said Chief Observer Ms. Maria Arena on Friday during a press conference in Monrovia.-------------- The EU Election Observation Mission to Liberia was deployed at the invitation of the Liberian authorities and arrived on 1st September with an advanced team of analysts in Monrovia. The mission will observe and assess the Presidential and House of Representatives Elections against national law, commitments and obligations for democratic elections deriving from international and regional human rights instruments, as well as good practices for democratic elections.   “We deployed already 20 long-term observers throughout the different regions in Liberia. We observe and analyse the whole electoral process, including the legal framework, electoral administration, voter registration, nominations, campaigning, the conduct of the media, voting and the counting, the tally of results and dispute resolution mechanisms“, said Chief Observer Arena.   Ms. Maria Arena from Belgium, Member of the European Parliament, is leading the EU Mission as the Chief Observer and already met different stakeholders including the National Election Commission, the Supreme Court, civil society groups and candidates.   “After several meetings in Monrovia yesterday and today, I can see a good will from all sides to conduct the upcoming elections according international standards. Our long-term observers are following the electoral process in all 15 counties since last week; they met already various stakeholders and are doing comprehensive analyses in the regions“, said the Chief Observer.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A peaceful transition from one elected president to another is important not only for Liberia but also as an example for the region “We will observe the pre-election phase, during election day and we will stay in the country until the completion of a comprehensive assessment of the electoral process, including recommendations for future elections. We keep to our mandate of non-interference and neutrality. Our mission is here to contribute with impartial and objective assessments to a democratic transition in Liberia.“ Around election day additional 34 short-term observers will reinforce the EU Election Observation Mission which will have more than 60 observers and analysts on the ground. All EU EOM observers are bound by a code of conduct, which requires strict neutrality and non-interference.   THE EU UNDERTAKES ITS WORK IN ACCORDANCE WITHE THE DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES------------------ The EU Mission undertakes its work in accordance with the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation. It will publish its initial findings in a preliminary statement, which will be presented in a press conference shortly after election day. A Final Report with recommendations to the public will be presented at a later stage. Source EU