The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) to the Republic of Zimbabwe deployed today 44 long-term observers throughout the country. This is the second contingent, following the core team, which has arrived in Harare on 6 June.
“The LTOs will cover all ten provinces in both, urban and rural areas. They will observe the entire electoral process prior, during and after the harmonised elections, scheduled for 30 July. The observers will be meeting electoral officials, candidates and representatives from political parties, civil society and the media” explained Deputy Chief Observer Mark Stevens.
Prior to their deployment the long-term observers received a three-day in-depth briefing in Harare on the electoral background, political environment and other topics.
44 short-term observers and a Delegation of the European Parliament will join the LTOs shortly before the election. Together with diplomats accredited in Harare the EU EOM is expected to deploy on election day about 140 Observers from all 28 member states as well as Norway, Switzerland and Canada.
The EU EOM is led by a Chief Observer who is a Member of the European Parliament and who will be appointed shortly.
“The EU EOM conducts a comprehensive analysis of the electoral process based on a methodology developed by the EU over many years. The EU EOM is impartial and does not interfere in the electoral process”, said Mark Stevens. “The EU EOM’s analysis includes aspects such as the legal framework, the work of the election administration, the campaign activities of the candidates and political parties, the conduct of the media, the voting, counting and the tabulation of results, the resolution of election related disputes,” added the Deputy Chief Observer.
The EU EOM will issue a preliminary statement shortly after the elections. A final report – with technical recommendations for future elections – will be published later.
Note to Editors:
The European Union (EU) was invited to deploy an observation mission by the Government of Zimbabwe and has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Zimbabwe. The EU EOM is independent from any EU institutions or Member States or government institution and is committed to remain neutral and abide by the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation and the Code of Conduct, as well as the laws of Republic of Zimbabwe.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Eberhard LAUE – Mobile +263 784 563 707 – email eberhard.laue@eueomzimbabwe2018.eu
Stephanie MUSHORE Mobile +263 772 908 769 – email stephanie.mushore@eueomzimbabwe2018.eu
